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***READ ALL THOSE £30 KOPTALK STORIES HERE FOR FREE***

Duncan Oldham has no “insider” sources within Liverpool FC. He has been lying about having them for more than a decade now, in order to con trusting LFC fans out of their money. The only “unique” features you will find on KopTalk are:

Oldham’s ludicrous lies.

Stories taken from The S*n newspaper.

Tyrannical censorship and the absence of a PM system for members – he doesn’t want his paying subscribers to start spreading the truth about him, does he?

But don’t take our word for it. We’ll print all Oldham’s “insider” bullshit and the stories behind those £30+ KopTalk front page headlines here, and you can make your own minds up:

31/08/10 07:54 PM Spurs confirm Liverpool enquiryKopTalk Team OfflineSpurs boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed that he did make an enquiry about the availability of Ryan Babel this morning but added that he was never close to signing him.

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Hodgson targets trio before deadline day

–leads to this hopelessly vague nonsense, which anybody reading this could make up themselves if they had no sense of shame–

27/08/10 01:24 PM Three possible transfers
The_Informer
The club are desperately working to try and conclude 3 signings. It looks like they have been waiting to sell Mascherano to make the deals happen. The transfer window closes in a few days so the chances of these all happening look unlikely but I may be wrong.
2 of these players are not registered in the English Premier League. 1 of the trio is EPL registered and is English. 1 of the other 2 is non-English speaking and I think that one may miss the deadline.

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Liverpool move money for transfer swoop

–leads to another load of hopelessly vague nonsense–

27/08/10 01:16 PM Liverpool move money
The_Informer
Liverpool have transferred funds to a holding account used for making payments for players. The amount is just short of £3.3 million.
From experience this would usually be the down payment for an incoming player with more future payments. It could also be a player valued at £3.3 million with a single payment of this amount. This means Liverpool and the selling club have agreed a transfer fee and payment schedule for the player.
The money can only be sent today or Monday so a medical must take place almost immediately. I would say that terms have been agreed for the club to begin the first stage of the transfer of funds.

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(Dunk stole the following KopTalk article from this report, which appeared in The Mirror more than 12 hours earlier)

KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Liverpool table £12m bid – CONFIRMED

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25/08/10 04:07 PM Liverpool table £12m bid
KopTalk Team
Liverpool have tabled a £12million bid for Carlton Cole.
Reds boss Roy Hodgson has reportedly offered West Ham £6m up front in cash with a further £6m depending on appearances and success and our interest has been confirmed.
The 26-year-old is available but West Ham’s valuation is nearer the £15m mark. But with the transfer window soon to close, the Hammers could be forced into a corner, although there is interest from other clubs.
A source told us: “Liverpool have made an [informal] offer for Carlton Cole and are waiting for a response.
“Roy is in the market for a striker but with Mascherano still at the club he has been unable to chase his top targets and time is now running out to bring someone in.”

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(This was classic KopTalk – Dunk’s sources knew about the Wilson deal before it happened, but Dunk couldn’t reveal anything until after the information had appeared in the national press. Of course. And people on KopTalk are dumb enough to fall for it. Again.)

KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: CLUB INSIDER: More ins and outs imminent

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22/07/10 01:50 PM EMAIL: “More ins and outs over the next week”
KopTalk Team
This is a known source and friend. Please note sometimes I hold back posting emails for a day or two, even a week or two in some cases, so that the source is protected. If it says ‘today’ that may not actually be the case. I may also slightly change something for protection only but not enough to change the contents of the actual message. I also only snip out bits that may be of interest to you guys. Hope that makes sense.
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Duncan
Just leaving the Academy.
I will give you a full update later.
Nando is 50/50 people are still confident but who knows what CP is up to.
Met Danny W today. Good lad.
There are going to be more ins and outs over the next week.

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(This is what £36 per year gets you on KopTalk – at some undefined point in the future, we may or may not register interest in Huntelaar)

KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Striker latest + Overseas takeover talks

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22/07/10 02:07 PM Klaas Jan Huntelaar & Cairo
The_Informer
Klaas Jan Huntelaar has been offered to us and at least four other English clubs. This is common practice by agents when trying to move a player on, it doesn’t mean we have registered an enquiry.
To say he is under consideration would be premature as the club seem more focused on Fernandos future this week. The wages wouldn’t be a problem but the asking price is probably €3 million over what we would pay unless a player can be brokered in, in the other direction.
Liverpool are expecting a €7 million payment on Monday and there’s also talk of Mr Broughton and Mr Ayre heading for a meeting in Cairo. Discussions are taking place regarding availability for all concerned. It is a meeting point only (2 days).

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Wayne Bridge & Fernando Torres – LATEST

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22/07/10 01:43 PM Wayne Bridge & Fernando Torres
The_Informer
We are definitely in for Wayne. Talks are ongoing with his club.
Mr Purslow has held several conferences with Fernando by phone and is hoping to meet him within the next couple of days. Regardless of what you read in the press the only firm offer has been from Chelsea and it grossly undervalues the player.
I was talking to Mr Ayre earlier this week and the general feeling at the club is that they will hold onto the player because the money offered is just unrealistic.
Torres seems happy enough. My opinion is that he’s watching the recruiting progress before making a decision on next season.

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: PM – Deal agreed for January window

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22/07/10 02:27 PM PRIVATE MESSAGE: Brazilian midfielder
KopTalk Team
Received via Facebook… sender is NOT known to us:
“purslow is going to istanbul then madrid, hernanes deal in place for next transfer window”

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Purslow on the move again

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22/07/10 11:09 AM Purslow on the move again
Dunk
Just got this from his email account:
I am currently away from the office travelling from Monday 19th – Sunday 25th July 2010, however I will be checking my e-mails from time to time. For urgent matters if you need to contact me, please call my Assistant, xxxxxx +44 151 xxxxxxx or e-mail xxxxxxxxxxxx
Christian Purslow
Managing Director

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DUNK HAS RECEIVED YET ANOTHER ANONYMOUS (ie SELF-PENNED) EMAIL. YES, DUNCAN OLDHAM REALLY DOES CHARGE £36 PER YEAR TO READ THIS INFANTILE NONSENSE:

KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Torres guests over for Arsenal game

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20/07/2010 at 03:12 PM EMAIL: Fernando Torres
KopTalk Team Offline
Email sent to the KOPTALK editor from a trusted and known source:
“The boys are all in good spirits and JC has given them all a lift. xxxxx and xxxxx are lording it up, cracking jokes etc very funny.
“All positive from Nando as well… xxxxxx absolutely refutes the allegations that Nando is going to leave. Apparently he is having work done on his house and is organising people to come over for certain games. I know he has family over for the Arsenal game.”

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THIS WAS ANOTHER KOPTALK CLASSIC, ONE WE’VE SEEN COUNTLESS TIMES BEFORE – DUNK’S SOURCE KNEW EXACTLY WHAT WAS HEPPENING BUT DUNK COULDN’T REVEAL THE DETAILS UNTIL AFTER THEY HAD BEEN ANNOUNCED BY THE CLUB. OF COURSE.
ALSO, WE’VE BEEN LINKED WITH CONNOR WICKHAM SINCE NOVEMBER OF LAST YEAR (SEE THIS ARTICLE FROM THE DAILY MAIL)

19/07/2010 at 09:56 PM CHAT: “Another British-based signing looking likely”
KopTalk Team Offline
The following is a recent exchange via Facebook between the KopTalk editor and a previously unknown source:
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xxxxx xxxxxxxxxx 06 July at 16:20
Hi Duncan,
Did you get my message re. Joe Cole?
Looks like we’ll have something to smile about soon.
Keep up the good work big man

xxxxx
Duncan ‘Dunk’ Oldham 16 July at 23:19
Cant see it coming off meself xxxxx, u?

xxxxx xxxxxxxxxx 18 July at 20:40
its still on Dunk, watch out for some news this week. Things aren’t as clear cut as they appear in the press, and there has been a few issues but he does want to join Roy at Liverpool.
Just hope he can stay injury free for you.
Regards
xxxxx

xxxxx xxxxxxxxxx 19 July at 15:10
He’s signed dunk, as I’m sure you’ve heard. Medical in next 48 hours, 4 year deal. Should be fairly fresh after not playing much last season.
The gerrard situation is also looking more positive I hear.
There’s another british based signing looking likely at the moment, I’ll provide more detail as it becomes clearer, if you’re interested.
Cheers
xxxxx

xxxxx xxxxxxxxxx 19 July at 22:46
Hi Dunk,
There is some truth in the Connor Wickham rumours. Liverpool ‘representatives’ have met with him and the agent I’m close with (although he’s not directly involved this time) says Liverpool would be his first choice. Apparently there’s a good chance of this happening – I’ll let you know as things progress.
Can you trade with me any info about the takeover? Any news of bids etc?
Cheers
xxxxx

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PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FOR PROOF THAT DUNK KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THE SIGNING OF JOE COLE BEFORE THE NEWS BROKE IN OTHER SOURCES.

KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: More transfer activity

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19/07/2010 at 08:49 PM EMAIL: “Something else is brewing”
KopTalk Team Offline
Source that confirmed Joe Cole medical news before we leaked it followed up with another email this evening.
Had to blank a few bits:
“Hi Duncan. Something else is brewing in the transfer market, they are very very happy xxxxxxxxxx and it isn’t about Joe Cole. I am xxxxxxxxxxx so will keep you informed.”
This person is a member here and they are a proven source (called Roy Hodgson and Joe Cole stuff before anyone else – not with a few speculative suggestions but hard facts. Worth paying attention to.).

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Purslow cornered due to Gerrard ‘deal’

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15/07/10 at 12:29 PM Purslow’s ‘deal’ with Gerrard has him cornered
KopTalk Team Offline
Liverpool’s Christian Purslow has been cornered by his Real Madrid counterpart over the valuation of skipper Steven Gerrard.
The Liverpool midfielder’s agent has told the Spanish giants that Gerrard wants a move to Madrid after personal terms were agreed 2 months ago.
Gerrard was given assurances by Reds Managing Director Christian Purslow that his exit would be approved “without problems” providing he publicly backed the appointment of new boss Roy Hodgson which he did.
Purslow was desperate to hire Hodgson knowing that he would be unable to prevent the sale of key players as he would have to come in under the terms made clear to him before taking the job.
Initially we had hoped that former boss Rafa Benitez was going to be axed to make way for new owners, especially as Sheikh Khalifa was linked with us at the same time, but that wasn’t the case. Instead he was shown the door because he would never have stood by and watched Purslow sell players and reduce the wage bill to the extent that he is planning. Neither would Kenny Dalglish which is why he was ignored for the Liverpool job and why he has currently distanced himself from the current regime by taking unscheduled leave.
Our source at the Bernabeu tells us that they are not in for Ashley Cole as widely reported by the British media but that they are in for Gerrard and remain very confident of signing him despite the huge difference in valuations.
The media want us to believe that Gerrard is too old for Real Madrid yet the Spanish giants would shell out even more money for Cole who is just 7 months younger than the Liverpool skipper? It’s all spin fed by agents and it should be ignored.
As revealed by KOPTALK last year, Gerrard’s agent was informed by Christian Purslow that his client was free to leave Liverpool this summer if he wanted to. The thinking there was obviously the player’s age and that time was running out to cash in.
Real Madrid have since made an offer for the Liverpool skipper and as we predicted at the time of our article last year, it was much lower than you’d expect (not much over £15m). That was rejected by Liverpool and a new offer has followed which is definitely no higher than £20m as things currently stand.
It was reported earlier in the week that Real had cooled their interest in the skipper but this is not true.
Real’s transfer consultant Ernesto Bronzetti went on record saying that Liverpool had demanded £58.6m for Gerrard but that it was unacceptable because of the player’s age.
Bronzetti said: “The president does not agree with Gerrard because he is 30 and Perez doesn’t want to know. Plus Liverpool asked for €70m (£58.6m).”
This was of course more spin and poker playing by the Spanish outfit who are extremely clever at times like this. Today they’ve been linked with German World Cup star Sami Khedira as an alternative to Gerrard and that’s what they want Gerrard and Purslow to hear.
The truth of the matter is that Real are so confident of landing Gerrard that they’re not moving on their current offer.
Only the transfer fee and a medical stands in the way of a deal happening. But with Liverpool demanding such a high price, Gerrard has been left in a difficult situation.
If Purslow makes a u-turn on his deal with Gerrard the skipper could be forced into handing a transfer request which is the last thing he wants to do and we simply can’t see that happening.
Our source in Madrid said: “Liverpool (Purslow) told Steven that he could leave without problems if he said nice things about Roy Hodgson.
“Real Madrid are aware of that arrangement and know that Christian Purslow cannot now go back. This is why the offer will not be increased. If he does go back, then all sorts of damaging things could be leaked to the press.”
Another source told us: “Steve will be texting Purslow furiously when he sees the prices supposedly being asked for him in the papers while Real Madrid will be in his ear winding him up about how difficult and unrealistic Purslow is being.
“Now it’s just about Real Madrid ****ing Purslow in the ass on the price and they can because Purslow tried to play poker with the masters and is now f***ed.”
The only thing that we can see preventing a deal would be the fee but our source in Madrid says nothing will prevent this deal from going through. They insist that Purslow is cornered because he cannot go back on his deal with Gerrard.
If Gerrard leaves, and we firmly believe that he will, he will do so with our blessing. We don’t blame him. He’s given his career to Liverpool and he’s been lied to time and time again.
The best Purslow can hope for is £20m and maybe a player. He’s certainly not going to get anything near £60m and at some point he’s going to have to explain to Gerrard why things aren’t progressing as promised.
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Purslow is very much out of his depth at Anfield. He isn’t a football CEO, neither was Rick Parry. Jose Angel Sanchez, Real Madrid’s exuberant director of marketing, would have been Liverpool FC’s CEO had L4 taken control of the club. The way he works is detailed in the following book which is well worth a read. It will really help you understand how Sanchez is a master of football transfers etc.

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: JUST IN: Fernando Torres News

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14/07/10 at 09:07 AM Fernando Torres scan results in
Dunk Offline
Fernando TorresFernando Torres will be out of action for around 3 weeks after scan results here in Spain show that his injury is a small tear in his left adductor muscle.
The Liverpool striker pulled up during Spain’s World Cup final victory over Holland on Sunday and went to ground in agony.
His injury wasn’t thought to be serious though and KOPTALK can confirm that is the case.
While the news is obviously welcomed by us, this does mean that Chelsea could continue with their pursuit of the striker.
The London-based outfit have tabled several offers for the Liverpool hitman, all of which have been rejected.
Barcelona and Manchester City continue to be linked but we would say that Chelsea pose the biggest threat but only if they double their offers.
While it was great to see the striker wearing a Liverpool scarf during Spain’s World Cup celebrations, we’re not naive enough to think that was a sign that he intends to stay.
Torres was also pictured wearing various Atletico Madrid gear so does that mean he’s going to re-sign for them? Of course not.
The player has said he intends to speak to Liverpool officials about the club’s plans but we are aware that his agent is touting him around Europe.
Hopefully Torres will stay with the club for at least another year.

06/07/2010 02:29 PM Glen Johnson
Dunk
Very strong interest from Inter Milan for Glen. Don’t think it’s been covered in the press, if it has, I apologise. I think there may have been a hint of such but I’ve had it confirmed the last hour that there is an attempt to sign him.
Check news page early evening for an editorial.

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Liverpool signing “close” – CLAIMS

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06/07/2010 02:32 PM Message received re: Joe Cole
Dunk
I don’t know the sender….
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Hi Duncan,
I’ve been trying to get an add via facebook to get your contact details to give you some info re. Joe Cole.
I am very close to his agent and can confirm that he will now sign for Liverpool FC. Talks are at an advance stage with a wage somewhere between £80-90k a week being negotiated; other personal terms are currently being discussed.
Just though I’d give you the heads up to give the fans something to cheer about after all the doom.
If I get anymore details I’ll contact you.
Keep up the good work big man,

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Fernando Torres – LATEST

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05/07/10 at 05:30 PM Agent denies Torres may leave Liverpool quotes
KopTalk Team
The agent that represents Fernando Torres says quotes claiming that he said the Liverpool striker may leave Anfield this summer are not true.
Jose Antonio Martin was quoted yesterday as saying that his client could leave and that if he did, that another English club was the most likely destination.
Martin though claims he never said anything of the sort which may help calm some nerves.
“For many months I have not spoken to the England press because their quotes are totally false,” said Martin.
“Now is not the moment to speak about this issue because Torres is focused completely on his work for Spain.
“After the World Cup Bahia Internacional (the agency) will possibly meet with the player but the truth is that Fernando has signed a deal with Liverpool which is for the present and the future.”
Torres has endorsed the signing of new boss Roy Hodgson but has admitted that he wants to discuss his future with him when he reports back.
But with Martin denying the previous quotes, maybe be we can all relax a little and keep faith in the player who we think owes us at least another year.
A move to Spain currently looks unlikely and that only leaves Manchester City and Chelsea as realistic options and even Chelsea would probably not meet our valuation.

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Kenny Dalglish – LATEST

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01/07/10 at 06:11 PM EXCLUSIVE: Kenny Dalglish leaves Liverpool
KopTalk Team
KOPTALK understands that Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has left the club and has no plans to return to his office.
The news has filtered through to us on the day that chairman Martin Broughton claimed the club didn’t need to sell players to service the club debt and that the club’s star players were not for sale.
Broughton also said that there had been no offers for the club as yet (as a result of the club’s own schedule) and that there was no valuation set in stone that could be putting off interest.
At today’s unveiling of new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson, Broughton said: “I read all too frequently numbers being floated about in the media, normally associated with Tom Hicks’s name. I would like to make it clear there is no number. There is no base line.”
Broughton has clearly forgotten that in May co-owner Tom Hicks said in a live interview on Sky Sports News (we have a copy if needed for reference) that he valued the club at between £600m & £800m. Two numbers that he “floated” from his own mouth.
One observation is that Dalglish didn’t walk yesterday when the club confirmed the appointment of Roy Hodgson to members of the staff and the media. Come to your own conclusions as to why he changed his mind.
We’re sure that club will deny these claims and work hard throughout July to persuade Dalglish to return – and we hope they succeed – but as things currently stand, the King has gone.

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Steven Gerrard exit – LATEST

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30/06/10 10:19 AM EXCLUSIVE: Steven Gerrard transfer news
KopTalk Team
KOPTALK can reveal that Steven Gerrard has accepted a contract offer put to him by Real Madrid and will sign for the Spanish giants subject to both clubs agreeing a transfer fee.
The decision to leave the club was made prior to the appointment of Roy Hodgson after Gerrard’s agent reportedly agreed personal terms with Bernabeu officials while his client was on World Cup duty with England.
You may recall that last season KOPTALK claimed Gerrard had been made available (but not listed) by managing director Christian Purslow. In that article we specifically said we expected the Reds skipper to leave for a knocked-down fee, if he made the decision to leave. That was a key point that we made based on information supplied to us at the time.
While not going into specifics, it comes as no surprise to us that Real Madrid have offered a so called ‘take it or leave it’ offer of £20million.
All of our contacts are buzzing with news of these developments.
As a result we expect to see various conflicting reports and spin played out before us but we’re led to believe (but can not confirm) that Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow is already negotiating the transfer fee and that Real Madrid came in lower than the £20million that has reportedly been offered.

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(PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BELIEVE THAT MJ007 IS FILM PRODUCER MIKE JEFFERIES, BUT IT’S ALMOST CERTAINLY JUST ANOTHER OF DUNK’S MANY ALIASES)

KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Christian Purslow confronted

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29/06/10 at 07:30 AM Open Letter to Christian Purslow – Sent 29/06/10
MJ007
Christian
I am sorry but I think you are pretty [oops] disingenuous pal! And disrespectful. Maybe people don’t call you on your [oops] too often, but I am not prepared to sit on my hands and watch Nero fiddle…
I initially reached out to you because you claimed (in the media at least) to be a lifelong red… and I wanted to congratulate you for firing Benitez (he had to go for footie reasons) but also because I wanted to see some resolution to the impending (or is it ongoing) rape of LFC….
And I was complimentary to you with some “kind words” which you acknowledged below… After all, weren’t you and Broughton brought in to to find new owners and investment etc… the future…????
But you’ve ducked me ever since… continually asking me to “ping” you (whatever the [oops] that means)…
And we’re now becoming an absolute [oops] laughing stock… worldwide… partly because of the “interviews” with managers you said you’re conducting = in another email to me…
You didn’t even have the good manners to reply to my email respectfully lobbying you to hire Kenny Dalglish as Manager…
And what the hell happened to AD? I heard it was seriously ‘on’ and mentioned so in my below email to you which you didn’t deny. But I heard they have since walked away. Another one…. WTF???
Am beginning to think Hicks does NOT want to sell the club but just sell the star players to service the debt. And from the fifty or so phone calls I’ve had today about this – including from the CEO’s of 3 top CL contenders – I don’t think I am too far off the mark.
(Honest) Answers Christian, answers!! And fast. Or this is going to get very [oops] ugly very fast for you, RBS (and their all properties) and Broughton. And deservedly so, and I will do all I can to help.
We’re not stupid pal. We are Liverpool Football Club. And some things are more important than life or death….
MJ
YNWA

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: * JUST IN: NEW LIVERPOOL MANAGER NEWS

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21/06/10 Medical Team Changes
Dunk
KopTalk sources….
“The new medical staff are Aussies and are currently with the Australian Football Team in South Africa. Apparently they were shocked by the standard of our medical staff when they did a six week secondment.
“They picked up on issues with Nando and Maxi. In particular Maxi was wrongly diagnosed before the Chelsea game last season and you may remember he had to come of with an injury, apparently this was the catalyst that certain individuals said it was time for a complete change.”

21/06/10 Exits this week
Dunk
All the Spanish coaches are leaving the club this week but this does not include the Academy coaches who are staying for the time being.

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: * Medical concerns raised at Liverpool

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21/06/10 New manager “expected” this week
Dunk
This is from Melwood… “expected” this week.

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: * Mukesh Ambani – LATEST

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17/06/10 08:52 PM Indian Bid
Dunk
These were two of the possibles given to me today…
Anil Ambani or Vijay Mallya

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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: * CAA / Peter Kenyon / India – LATEST

–leads to–17/06/10 at 12:08 PM CAA / Peter Kenyon / India
Dunk Administrator
I am very busy today working on some editorials hence the lack of updates this morning. I haven’t been off the phone since last night but I will get the site updated asap, I just feel the stuff I’m working on today is of more importance right now.
What I can tell you now to give you something to chew over is that Peter Kenyon is fronting a company called CAA who are interested in Liverpool Football Club.
Now I know Kenyon represents CAA’s interests but I don’t know if CAA are the bidder or whether it’s someone behind them. That I can find out.
I haven’t even researched CAA yet as I’ve been furiously calling my extensive network and I keep hearing mention of an apparent Indian interest and that Kenyon may also be involved.
I have some links for you to look at. If you can dig any more about CAA, Kenyon’s current schedule/interests/quotes etc than please feel free to add them to this post.http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/170916/peter-kenyon-joins-caa-to-lead-international-expansionhttp://sports.caa.com/properties.aspxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Artists_Agency
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KOPTALK FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: * Purslow heading to SA – 1 bidder gone

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17/06/10 at 01:15 PM ED: RBS branches should be targeted by angry Liverpool fans
KopTalk Team Administrator
Well from what I’m hearing, Lucas could be running out as captain on the opening day of the season against Arsenal. Ok that may not be the case but stranger things have happened.
There has been a significant blow behind the scenes with the club having lost a very wealthy bidder who was interested in buying the club. I’m prevented from saying too much about the specifics that caused the end of interest because it could out my sources, but they had the money and they had the right motives but Tom Hicks allegedly wrecked it. This was exactly the kind of bidder we needed, someone who wanted to use the club for marketing, brand awareness and promotion and not to make a killing directly out of us.
Although we’ve lost one significant bidder, I’m led to believe that there’s 2 new ones but as I don’t know who they are or where they’re from so I can’t pretend to be excited. I am completely in the dark with these ones at the time of writing.
I recently claimed that club officials Martin Broughton and Christian Purslow were hoping to have new owners in place within 5 weeks. Basically they hoped to secure a takeover before the end of the World Cup. That remains the case but if I said I was confident that will happen now, I’d be a liar.
I do know that we have interest from India and truth be told, my attention and hopes have now switched there for the time being. CAA & Peter Kenyon have also cropped up. I’ll talk about this more on our members website shortly.
Tom Hicks is allegedly the cause of us losing my preferred bidder. I cannot put in to words how saddened I am about this.
I want to reference a report by The Mirror’s Dave Maddock recently. It was titled ‘Tom Hicks scuppers two ‘perfect fit’ offers for Liverpool’ and he wrote:
‘Tom HicksTom Hicks has allegedly scuppered at least two ‘perfect fit’ offers for Liverpool, because of his unreasonable asking price.
‘Sources at Barclays Capital, who have been charged with selling the Anfield club, have revealed their private frustration at the American owner’s unyielding stance in negotiations.
‘An insider revealed to the Mirror that they have found “exciting investors” they believe have the money and standing to buy the club and take them forward, despite the massive debts run up by Hicks and Gillett. One of the offers has come from the Middle East, and another is a consortium led by a prominent American businessman.
‘But, so far, the staggering valuation of almost £800million placed on Liverpool by their Texan co-owner has proved an insurmountable stumbling block, because potential buyers are refusing to pay his price.
‘A source working on the sale of the Merseyside club for BarCap revealed privately: “We have found more than one really good fit investors, who have the wealth not to worry about a few hundred million quid.
‘”But they will not be held to ransom, because they know the asking price is unreasonable, and they simply don’t want to be taken for a ride, no matter how rich they are.”‘
I don’t know who the bidders were that Dave was reffering to but the general theme of the article is exactly why my preferred bidder has now walked.
Because of the valuation that Hicks has put on the club, we’re losing very serious parties who could propel Liverpool back to the top. The appointment of Roy Hodgson as manager wouldn’t suprise me now. Although the good news on that front (as I want Kenny) is that Christian Purslow is still in England and Roy is in South Africa. Purslow is heading out there soon though.
Imagine this scenario: We have no new owners this summer… we hire a ‘Roy’… Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano will almost certainly leave. If that happens, Fernando Torres will definitely go in my opinion. Let’s say that generates £100million and our ‘Roy’ gets £30m of that to spend on new players. RBS then get paid out of the £70m that Tom Hicks and George Gillett keep from the player sales so they’re happy. Imagine the squad we’d be left with without those 3 players (plus Benayoun of course). £30m wouldn’t go very far to replace them.
If RBS get their money, they will not pull the plug on Hicks and Gillett. This means the duo can remain in place with an unrealistic valuation and continue to suck out the cash until time eventually runs out and RBS call in the loan. What you’re left with is a club that can only aim for mid table with a Champions League wage bill and a mountain of debt that makes Leeds United’s look like a rounding error. In that event the business is not viable and is insolvent and administration beckons.
If new owners are not found this summer then Hicks and Gillett will have to sell Mascherano, Gerrard and Torres to service the debt. They do not care about the club so don’t think they won’t. They will have to.
I can not stress the importance of finding new owners this summer and if what I’ve been told is true, the valuation of the club is why my preferred bidder has pulled out.
This bidder was willing to throw £1billion at the club just for branding, promotion and awareness. They weren’t bothered about a profit as such. How many bidders can do that? How many bidders will invest without wanting to make a profit? Exactly and Hicks has ****ed it up again.
RBS will only pull the plug on Hicks and Gillett if they fail to repay them. If they are unable to meet their payments having rejected perfectly good offers for the club then RBS will definitely step in but if they’re paid then they won’t give a toss.
RBS Protests LiverpoolThe only course of action that I believe is going to apply pressure on this situation is to launch protests at RBS branches up and down the country.
Any Red(s) can protest. You don’t need a leader or union behind you (although the better organised the better). Barclays and British Airways would be my next call. But for now, RBS branches. This kind of ‘taking it to them’ protest would be visible, annoying and worrying to RBS who would have to give in if such protests were intense. It’s their worst nightmare. Let’s take it to them. Don’t sit around expecting someone else to do it for you. If you’ve got an RBS branch in your town, start plotting!
I have talked about this before. The media would love it and RBS would sh*t themselves. Imagine Reds in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, London all turning up at RBS branches and then Terminal 5 at Heathrow to protest at Martin Broughton, chairman of Liverpool FC and British Airways who are based in the terminal.
Broughton’s not on board for the love of the club. No, since he’s come in he’s seen Benitez axed and stood by and watched as Chelsea – the club he loves and is heavily connected with – make moves for Torres and Benayoun. That’s a conflict of interest and he’s pocketing hundreds of thousands of pounds for the privilege. He has to go.
Forget protesting around the streets of Anfield or in the stadium. It’s not working and it’s never going to work. The fight has got to be taken to them. Mass protests outside or even inside RBS branches would create massive negative publiclity.
Again, read this article by Dave Maddock titled ‘Why RBS and Barclays Capital should stop being a bunch of bankers and force Hicks and Gillett to sell Liverpool’. It’s very good and I share the same thoughts.
As for Christian Purslow. I’ve been quite supportive of him recently but something has now cropped up to make me question his motives. I have his private email address… maybe I should publish it and let you, the die-hard supporter, email him your questions and concerns?
The good news is that we still have interested parties negotiating. The bad news is we have lost the one I wanted. That still leaves a very wealthy option but with Hicks demanding twice what the club is worth, what mug is going to pay that because my preferred bidder wasn’t going to! That means Hicks (and Gillett) stay, sell players to service the debt and bleed the club dry.
The longer Spain and England stay in the World Cup the better because our players are locked down and unable to put pen to paper on any deals they may have lined up. This gives Broughton and Purslow time to push a deal through. If they fail, because of Hicks and the spineless Gillett, get ready for a ‘Roy’ in charge and a player exodus.
I’m keeping the faith but it’s starting to be tested.
Duncan Oldham
KopTalk Editor
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16/06/10 06:05 PM Steven Gerrard deal agreed in principle
Dunk Administrator
A deal agreed in principle with Real Madrid but not finalised until after the WC depending on Liverpool FC ownership/managerial.

(IN SUMMARY: GERRARD MIGHT LEAVE, OR HE MIGHT STAY, WELL WORTH £36)

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THIS IS THE USUAL MIXTURE OF THE BLINDINGLY OBVIOUS AND THE HOPELESSLY VAGUE…

FRONT PAGE KOPTALK HEADLINE: * Monday 21st – a key date internally?

–leads to–

15/06/10 12:48 PM Snippet
Dunk Administrator
“Just left [LFC], Monday appears to be a very busy day, could be a new manager in place. Things are certainly going on internally.”
Just received that. Not from a friend or usual source of mine. FYI only.

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DUNK STOLE THIS KOPTALK REPORT FROM THE FOOTBALL RUMOURS WEBSITE (SEARCH FOR “I last posted in February” TO FIND THE POST OR VIEW A SCREENSHOT HERE)

Front page headline: * EXCLUSIVE: Hicks & Gillett locked out

–leads to–

09/06/10 02:50 PM EXCLUSIVE: Hicks and Gillette locked out
KopTalk Team Administrator
KOPTALK sources have calmed our nerves by telling us that both George Gillett and Tom Hicks have been “locked out of negotiations” with Sheikh Khalifa’s people (and we also assume the new bidder that we refer to today in our other news item).
The Liverpool FC board is locked in talks with Khalifa and neither Tom Hicks, George Gillett or their representatives are present.
Sources claim that negotiations with Khalifa are very advanced and that it’s going to be virtually impossible for Hicks or Gillett to reject and suitable bid because of pressure from RBS and the Liverpool board to accept.
We have absolutely no idea who the 2nd bidder is or at what stage they’re at.

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DUNK REALISED THAT THE ARTICLE ABOVE UNDERMINED HIS RECENT ABU DHABI BULLSHIT, SO HE THEN HAD TO CRAP OUT THIS NONSENSE AS WELL:

Front page headline: * EXCLUSIVE: 2nd bidder challenges Khalifa

–leads to–

09/06/10 02:50 PM EXCLUSIVE: Khalifa rival bidder in talks with Liverpool
KopTalk Team
KOPTALK sources are reporting that a 2nd bidder is in talks with Liverpool Football Club about a potential takeover.
The source has not told us the identity or origin of the bidder (they may know but they’re not telling us) but they have informed us that the bidder is extremely wealthy and can compete with both of the owners at Manchester City and Chelsea.
While some would argue that there’s bound to be several people/groups interested, we’re sticking our neck on the line by telling you that there is definitely 2 very wealthy bidders at the table right now and if one of them gets in, we’ll be able to compete in the transfer market with ease against City and Chelsea.
This development means that the club is in a fantastic position and with George Gillett and Tom Hicks locked out of negotiations, Liverpool should – you would imagine – be able to pull one of these deals off.
We accept that some people are sceptical because there’s nothing in the press about Sheikh Khalifa so we expect you will be equally as dismissive. But you have to take into consideration that the World Cup is about to kick off and it’s going to need something concrete to come out for a hack to touch this. They, like you and ourselves, have been here before.
There is no way in a million years that we could be as excited as we are simply because of idle speculation and feeding ‘false’ reports to you, our members, our bread and butter, would be suicide.
The majority of you have complete faith in what we’re reporting so you will be pleased to know that our source said today that they are “1000%” (thousand) confident that Liverpool will soon have a very wealthy owner in position at Anfield.
As for our critics around the internet, rest assured, they will copy and paste this on their websites just to say they don’t believe it.

08/06/10 04:07 PM Kenny Dalglish on verge of shock Liverpool exit
KopTalk Team Administrator
KOPTALK sources are reporting that Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish is on the verge of leaving Anfield.
Rumours are circulating the internet that Dalglish is to leave the club because of the proposed appointment of Roy Hogdson as manager. That is not true.
Our sources claim that Dalglish asked for the job but was turned down because the club already has a new manager lined up should Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan succeed in buying the club.
While Roy Hodgson is favourite to take over at Anfield according to the bookies, if Sheikh Khalifa gains control, we expect someone else will come in with the new owner if he lands his preferred target.
Dalglish was instead offered the opportunity to become Director of Football at Anfield but from what we’ve been told, this has so far not been accepted and Dalglish has indicated that it would be best if he leaves Anfield – but not because of any bust-ups with managing director Christian Purslow who finds himself in an unenviable position because of moves he’s having to make on the ownership front.
What we must stress is that Purslow is working hard to bring in Khalifa and anyone who tries to portray him as the bad man here is doing so because of blind loyalty to former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. Such people should be ignored.
KOPTALK sources have so far claimed things in the following order:
* Rafa sacked to make way for new owner
* Sheikh Khalifa trying to buy the club
* Khalifa camp have identified their own manager
* Dalglish wanted job but unable to take it because of potential club sale and new owner’s preferred appointment
* No bust-up between Purslow and Dalglish but Dalglish feels he can’t stay at Anfield – not left at the time of publication
* Purslow NOT to blame but campaign by Rafa loyalists will try to discredit him further
* New owner did NOT turn down Dalglish as had own plans before Dalglish request
* Bid to buy club NOT rejected
* If Hicks continues to price himself out of a sale, the Royal Bank of Scotland, the club’s lender, are already threatening to recall their loans or demand that he and Gillett sell Liverpool in a matter of months
* Our source continues to maintain that all of these developments (Rafa sacking, Dalglish possible exit) are related to Sheikh Khalifa’s attempts to buy the club but they insist that any negative pressure put on Purslow by the fans could seriously jeapordise this takeover

08/06/10 08:59 AM Has Tom Hicks rejected Sheikh Khalifa’s Liverpool bid?
KopTalk Team KopTalk Team Administrator Offline
Newspaper reports claim that Tom Hicks has rejected two ‘perfect’ takeover offers, one from the Middle East and one from America.
Dave Maddock of The Mirror newspaper, writes: [QUOTES NICKED FROM THIS MIRROR ARTICLE]
The Middle East bid ties in with what we’ve been claiming in that Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi is trying to buy Liverpool. He has more financial clout than his brother at Manchester City and also Chelsea’s Roman Abramovich.
KOPTALK sources are unable to confirm if Maddock is referring to the bid from Khalifa. However, we are led to believe that if Hicks & Gillett did reject Khalifa that the RBS would threaten to reposses the club.
Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton recently said he expected a deal to go through within a couple of months but Hicks said in an interview on Sky Sports News that he didn’t expect the club to sell this summer or even before the end of the year. Our source was quick to point out that this is exactly what Hicks wants potential buyers to think. Pay no attention to Hicks.
Our source cannot predict an outcome but they are very confident that the Khalifa interest is too strong to turn down. Hicks can try but the pressure on him from the RBS, Broughton and Purslow will be intense.
New information has also come to light that significantly changes our opinion of Purslow. We can’t divulge that as yet but he’s very instrumental in trying to get Khalifa on board and the current owners out.

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THIS ONE WASN’T REALLY WORTH £36 EITHER:

Front page headline: * Steven Gerrard – LATEST

–leads to–

08/06/10 08:39 AM Reports: Gerrard to Real Madrid
redthatmark
Sky Sports just running a report about Spain Squad and show back page of one of the dailies there that Gerrard has told Liverpool he wants out and wishes to go to Real Madrid. Just being the messenger. Read into this as you choose. This does coincide with earlier comments made on site by Dunk that he has been made sort of available if he wishes to go.

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Front page headline: * EXCLUSIVE: Massive ownership news

–leads to–

05/06/10 09:00 PM EDITOR: Rafa axed to make way for new LFC owner
KopTalk Team Administrator
by Duncan Oldham, KopTalk Editor
Earlier this week I wrote about how depressed I was as a result of all the misery at Liverpool Football Club. Well I’m glad I didn’t throw myself under a train because right now I feel the complete opposite. I am in a state of absolute ecstasy.
I cannot go into specific details but I know there are a lot of Reds out there who appreciate my views and updates and it is those Reds that I want to make happy with this brief update.
It’s been a busy week and it’s now starting to make complete sense to me. Rafa’s sacking came from nowhere. They could have axed him weeks ago and I’m convinced he thought he was staying. I accept he was willing to walk but he didn’t think they’d have the guts to pull the trigger because of the financial implications. There isn’t just Rafa’s pay-off to consider, bear that in mind.
I believe that Rafa WAS removed from his position at Anfield so that the new owner (not owners) of Liverpool Football Club could come in with a clean slate.
We’ve been here a million times before but every deal hangs on whether or not Tom Hicks and George Gillett will accept what has been offered to them. But this time they’re listening to what has been put on the table.
I am led to believe that an agreement on a complete takeover is very close with Liverpool officials (not the owners) hoping that the deal can be secured in the next 5 weeks so that the club’s best players remain with the club. So great would be the financial injection into the club that they would be insane to leave.
Because the future of the club is at stake here I can not go into specifics. But what I will say is it is not DIC. It’s not Dubai. It’s not China either. But it is the Middle East. The use of the word ‘antelope’ will crop up from myself in the future once it becomes public knowledge, but before you go there, it’s not related to Qatar airlines who have an Oryx as their logo. Yes I know the Oryx is an antelope, just stay clear of that one.
The cavalry is coming, that’s all you need to know. And providing Hicks and Gillett don’t **** this up, it will be massive. It will certainly change who will consider taking the Liverpool manager’s job.
There is a discussion about this here where I will do my best to answer questions but I had to have this editorial approved so don’t expect too much – sorry.

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Front page headline: * EXCLUSIVE: Q&A on new Liverpool FC bidder

–leads to–

THIS EMBARRASSING INVESTMENT BULLSHIT, WHICH IS LIKE SOMETHING OUT OF A DAVID LYNCH FILM:

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FRONT PAGE HEADLINE:

MEMBERS: VIDEO – DALGLISH ON MOORES VS HICKS

—leads to this video—

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FRONT PAGE HEADLINE:

* VIDEO: Carragher on his England return

—leads to this video—

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FRONT PAGE HEADLINES:

* VIDEO: Reina & Torres interviews

and

* VIDEO: Liverpool ace on his future

—both lead to this video—

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FRONT PAGE HEADLINE:

MEMBERS: VIDEO – EXPERT RESPONDS TO HICKS CLAIMS

—leads to this video—

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FRONT PAGE HEADLINE:

MEMBERS: VIDEO – KENNEDY ON FUTURE OF LFC

—leads to this video—

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Front page headline:

EXCLUSIVE: Torres’ Anfield future – LATEST

–leads to–

21/05/10 05:25 PM EXCLUSIVE: Fernando Torres future – UPDATE
KopTalk TeamKOPTALK sources are claiming that there have been no direct or indirect approaches for Fernando Torres, to the player or his representatives.
The source is unable to comment as to whether or not the club have received any enquiries but the good news is that as of the time of publication, no agents representing other clubs have made an approach to the player’s camp as yet.While that is naughty, it does happen and this is how club’s conduct their business. A club will dispatch an agent to speak to the target’s agent. Fortunately, if we believe the source, this hasn’t happened since the window opened.In an email to KOPTALK this evening, the source said: “There hasn’t been any kind of approach made to Fernando or his agent.
“Has there been an approach to Liverpool? Not that we are aware of. If there was an official approach then I would know about it.
“Right now Fernando is only concerned about playing for Spain. As far as he’s concerned he’s a Liverpool player. He hasn’t spoken to anyone.”
While we have faith in this source you will have noticed that we included the world ‘claiming’ in the opening sentence. This is because the source is in the Torres camp so their priority is to protect the player and not help us. We’re not doubting the source but we’d ask you to bear that in mind.There will be more speculation so brace yourself for it. His future as a Liverpool player will remain up for debate right up until the window closes.

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Front page headline:

EXCLUSIVE: Transfer budget update

–leads to–

20/05/10 11:36 AM EXCLUSIVE: Rafa transfer kitty news + Purslow agent meeting
KopTalk TeamKOPTALK sources are reporting that Rafa Benitez is waiting to hear back from Martin Broughton as to how much he will be handed to spend in the summer on new players.
It is claimed that the Liverpool manager has not been given a figure as to how much is available to spend despite the fact that the transfer window is already open.
As reported yesterday, Rafa wants to know how much he will be allocated from player sales so that he doesn’t have a repeat of the Alonso farce.
Our source said: “Rafa isn’t aware what he has to spend.
“At the last meeting between the two, Broughton said he would need to report back to Benitez after speaking to other officials, with regards the transfer budget.
“Broughton is expected to update Benitez later tomorrow (Friday 21st).”
The source added: “Christian Purslow (above) will be in Manchester on Monday for talks with Javier Mascherano’s agent.”

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EMBARRASSING TORRES BULLSHIT #2:

13/05/10 09:02 AM EXCLUSIVE: Torres’ Liverpool future – UPDATE #2
KopTalk TeamKOPTALK sources are reporting that Fernando Torres’ representatives will meet Liverpool FC chairman David Broughton and managing director Christian Purslow this weekend.
A previous meeting was scheduled but cancelled because Broughton and Purslow were unavailable on that particular day due to talks with a potential investor.
Nobody had any complaints about the rescheduling.
Our source in the Torres camp told us: “That meeting will now take place over the weekend.
“The initial briefing from Christian [Purslow] is that there have been significant advances with regards possible new owners and that major disruption isn’t anticipated.”
Further briefings expected within the next week.

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EMBARRASSING TORRES BULLSHIT #1:

12/05/10 06:46 PM EXCLUSIVE: Torres’ Liverpool future – UPDATE
KopTalk Team
KOPTALK sources claim that Fernando Torres has indicated that he wants to remain at Liverpool.
The Liverpool striker will though continue to examine his options if there’s no sign of stability once the World Cup is out of the way.Speaking exclusively to KOPTALK, a new source of ours in the Torres camp said: “Fernando wants to stay at Liverpool.“He has settled on Merseyside. He loves the fans, he loves the club, he loves the city.
“It is not about money. If the club offered to double his wages he wouldn’t accept such a proposal just to stay at the club. All he wants to know who is going to be the manager next season and where the club is going.
“Liverpool fans, including friends he has made here, approach him on a regular basis and ask what is happening to the club and he cannot answer. He doesn’t think that’s right or fair on the fans.”
The source added: “Of course he could leave Anfield this summer. Offers are there. But he is prepared to help fire the club back into the top 4 where it belongs. That’s what he would prefer.
“He just wants to see signs of stability and he, like the other players, wants to know who will be the manager next season and what plans there are for strengthening the squad.
“If answers aren’t forthcoming by the end of the World Cup then it is true that he may have to consider looking elsewhere but his preference is to stay where he is.
“It’s just about the manager and the level of commitment from everyone at the club. Nobody has any idea who is running the club, who is managing the club. It’s just not acceptable at an institution like Liverpool.”KOPTALK understands that a meeting between Torres’ agent and Christian Purslow was recently cancelled but re-scheduled. We’re unsure of when that meeting will take place but a new date has been arrangted.
The source (which is a great coup for us BTW) has pledged to maintain regular contact with KOPTALK over the summer.

Tue May 11, 2010 9:15am GMT
If he did buy the club, Zhu would become the first Liverpool owner to have played against the team, having appeared for five minutes under a pseudonym when Shanghai played them in pre-season tournament in the Netherlands in 2007.

And now compare it this exclusive revelation by KopTalk sources the day after:

12/05/10 06:59 AM Chinese businessman Zhu Jun’s interest in Reds not denied
KopTalk TeamKOPTALK has discovered that Jun once played against Liverpool under a pseudonym when Shanghai played us in pre-season tournament in the Netherlands back in 2007.

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11/05/10 08:45 AM Rafa talks – 2nd meeting
Dunk Editor
It was held yesterday at Anfield and there was a heated exchange. It is claimed that the owners were present but I can’t confirm or deny this. Maybe their representative(s) because I can’t imagine them personally in attendance?
Rafa was informed that the club could not as yet guarantee any substantial cash for the summer (although Broughton is personally speaking to potenital investors). Talks are said to have stalled. It was agreed to call off the meeting earlier than expected.
Juventus spoke to Rafa last night about their offer and they’re moving on. However they are unlikely to completely close the door on him as they want to get the current season out of the way before deciding on a new boss.
My current take on this, which I’ve said for a short while now, is that Rafa’s position has seriously weakened with Juve cooling following the change in president and because Real Madrid have not come knocking as yet. He would be insane to hand in a resignation now.
Based on what I’m told and what I feel myself, Liverpool are prepared to change the manager but are holding out to see if Rafa gets frustrated and walks away without a substantial pay-off.
However, my sources say that his agent has been negotiating his pay-off for months so a mutual agreement may come. But where would he go?
I would say that Rafa now needs Liverpool more than they (senior officials) need him.
I still believe it can go either way. The problem is sacking him will cause massive disruption and Liverpool don’t sack their managers. So unless Rafa hands in a request to leave or comes to another agreement, we’re at a catch 22 and nothing will change, unless new owners come in.
Could Inter Milan make an offer to Rafa? I would expect Rafa is holding out for Real but I don’t see them coming in this summer UNLESS they fail to land Gerrard, that could change things. They really rate Rafa but Gerrard, Rafa and Alonso wouldn’t work in Madrid.
This really could go in any direction… while there may have been a walk out yesterday by Rafa as has been claimed, the fact that nothing has hit the papers overnight suggests more talks will take place. Keep an eye on tomorrow’s papers because either side will have today to think things over before deciding whether to leak anything tonight.
They’re all playing games. The sooner they sort this mess out the better.

* Can I just add that I assume that these talks were what we would refer to as the “2nd meeting”. There was a meeting yesterday but I’m unsure if it was THE “2nd meeting” if that makes sense

A FEW HOURS LATER, DUNK THEN ADMITTED THAT HE HAD TAKEN THE IDEA OF A SECOND MEETING FROM A REPORT IN MARCA:

11/05/10 11:46 AM Re: Rafa talks – 2nd meeting [Re: Biggy2007]
Dunk Editor
Gracias
Found this in today’s Marca: “Liverpool began to struggle yesterday with the Spanish coach meeting held early in the afternoon with the new president Martin Broughton, and the American owners at Anfield…. Benitez informed on the status of negotiations for the sale of the club, managed by the leader himself, have apparently stalled.”

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SEE THIS ARTICLE FOR PROOF THAT “KOPTALK SOURCES” HAVE COME OUT WITH NOTHING THAT HAD NOT ALREADY APPEARED IN THE NATIONAL PRESS:

02/05/10 11:59 AM Benitez betrayed at Liverpool
KopTalk Team
Rafa Benitez has hinted that the time has come to end his association with Liverpool Football Club.
The Liverpool manager is on the verge of leaving the club for Juventus although he is yet to conifrm his departure.KOPTALK sources have been bang on with Rafa’s situation of late and the interest from Juventus. What’s worrying is that the same sources also made bold predictions about certain players.

SEE THIS ARTICLE FOR PROOF THAT “A COUPLE OF MONTHS BACK”, AS USUAL, THE KOPTALK EDITOR WAS JUST STEALING REPORTS FROM THE NATIONAL PRESS AND PASSING THEM OFF AS HIS “INSIDER” INFO.

01/05/10 10:09 AM Purslow calls meeting with Benitez
KopTalk Team Administrator
Rafa Benitez says he has only remained at Liverpool up until now because of the supporters.
The Liverpool manager insists he has stayed on purely because of his pledge to the fans that he wouldn’t walk away from Anfield.A couple of months back the KOPTALK editor claimed that Rafa’s agent was negotiating a pay-off following serious interest from Juventus. As we have all seen, that interest from Juventus turned out to be genuine and it’s still there.
We believe that a contract with the Italians has been agreed in principle but there’s still time for Rafa to back out. He’s clearly waiting to see if Real Madrid come in for him and we still believe he could stay at Anfield should new owners with a decent wallet come in.
As reported previously by KOPTALK, the club have already started looking at a replacement and we understand that Frank Rijkaard is on the shortlist of candidates.The new Liverpool FC chairman Martin Broughton hasn’t even gone out of his way to meet Rafa yet and that’s grinding at the boss who told the media recently that nobody has spoken to him about his future. Managing Director Christian Purslow has arranged a meeting with Rafa on Monday 10th May to discuss the future and he won’t stop in his way if the boss announces his intentions to leave.But in walking Rafa would lose his right to any compensation so a scenario will be played out behind the scenes until something gives. That means that Liverpool fans will see a game of cat-and-mouse continue in the press. As of today’s date we believe there’s an 80% chance that Rafa will leave but there are so many contributing factors behind the scenes that it’s very hard to call as to what will happen.Asked about his future at Anfield and Benitez said: “I’m here because of those fans.
“I have had massive offers over the last year and I decided to stay because of the fans. If I am here it is because of them.
“I am here despite massive offers, but I said I will stay. I gave them my word.
“I will not talk too much about an ideal world (investment, transfer money).”

NOTE THAT THERE IS NOW AN 80% CHANCE RAFA WILL LEAVE. NOT 84%, OR 81%, OR 76%, BUT 80%. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST – ASSUMING YOU AREN’T ACTUALLY PAYING OLDHAM TO READ THIS BOLLOCKS.

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02/05/10 12:13 PM DIC linked with new Liverpool takeover bid
KopTalk Team
Dubai International Capital are closing in on a £500million buy-out of Liverpool on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Previous attempts to buy the Reds were blocked by Tom Hicks and George Gillett but the duo are now in a much weaker position and are ready to sell.Without saying too much, the KOPTALK editor once said that if Kenny Dalglish could get his foot in the door at Anfield while Hicks and Gillett were in charge, that this would massively strengthen DIC’s position and that has certainly been the case.
Ignore other takeover reports at the moment and get down on your knees and pray that this one comes off.* The KOPTALK editor will publish an editorial within the next 48 hours.

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01/05/10 06:05 PM Don’t shoot but this could be fantastic
Pebs
OK, I heard this from what I regard as a good source, but if it’s not true I make no apologies – just passing on a snippet to those mature enough to understand the term good faith… here goesApparently a firm (I know the name) acting on behalf of a “middle eastern prince” have been conducting due diligence for the last 6 weeks in preparation for a buy out. The new Chairman has played an instrumental part in setting up the deal and will receive an ‘astromomical sum’ for his services (and remain on the staff). The total deal will be for 615 million (I assume pounds). It will be a cash deal – no debts incurred in the purchase.
The funds will immeditely be available for a new stadium (not clear as to which plans).
As a ‘sweetener'(/to endear the owner to the fans and show he means business) the plan is to bring David Villa to partner FT. There will be a rebuilding pot of 160 million (again I assume pounds). There is no mention of a manager other than ‘keeping Rafa is not and integral part of the deal’.
Apparently the deal is ready to complete however it cannot proceed at the moment until a customary period of mourning has been completed for a relative, which precludes business dealings (I have no idea about customs of this nature, but willing to be enlightened).
The guy involved is described as ‘vastly wealthy’ and in it for the prestige rather than the ‘bucks’.Now I haven’t posted rumours before, but as I say I have good reason to believe there is truth in this.
Then again I could be another naive muppet (don’t blame over-optimism though – definitely not my nature!! )
Let the discussion begin.
Tin hat on !!

01/05/10 06:25 PM Re: Don’t shoot but this could be fantastic [Re: redthatmark]
Pebs
It is someone not really that into football to be honest – just came across the deal as part of his work. He has no axe to grind, just knew that I would be interested.

01/05/10 06:33 PM Re: Don’t shoot but this could be fantastic [Re: Pebs]
Pebs
Originally Posted By: Pebs: “It is someone not really that into football to be honest – just came across the deal as part of his work. He has no axe to grind, just knew that I would be interested.”

The direct source is the brother of a friend of mine

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HERE ARE THOSE KOPTALK FRONT PAGE STORIES – THE ONES YOU HAVE TO PAY £36+ TO READ – FOR APRIL:

26/04/10 Agent claims Liverpool interest in starlet
KopTalk Team
The agent that represents Swedish starlet Kristoffer Peterson claims Liverpool are interested in the youngster.
Peterson (15) impressed during trials with Liverpool and it would appear that we’d like to bring him in.
Agent Robert Bengtsson Barkroth said: “We understand that Liverpool are willing to offer an education package, that will include school and studies.”
Naturally the lad is excited. He added: “I am no longer just toying with the dream. It feels like the club really want to give me a chance.”

25/04/10 12:57 PM Arsenal linked with Pepe Reina
KopTalk Team Arsenal have been linked with Spanish international Pepe Reina.
Today’s Sunday Express newspaper claims that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has made the Liverpool goalkeeper a target.
Pepe recently signed a new 6-year contract with the club and appears genuine when he talks of his love for the club so there’s no way he’s looking for a move.
The journo claims (see above) that if Rafa goes, that maybe Arsenal could persuade Pepe to consider a move.
KOPTALK sources recently informed us that the only chance of Pepe leaving Anfield would be if an offer in excess of £25m came in for him because it would be too hard for the current owners to turn down but with the changes at the top, it makes you wonder if that would still be the case.
Meanwhile AC Milan have joined Olympiakos in expressing an interest in Kop crock Fabio Aurelio.

25/04/10 08:14 AM Mascherano contract talks stall
KopTalk Team
Juventus target Javier Mascherano is yet to agree a new contact with the Reds.
A deal looked imminent recently but talks appear to have stalled.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez said: “We were very close but I don’t know if there are changes.
“I don’t know if something has changed since the last time I was talking to him which maybe three or four days ago.
“I still expect him to sign.
“He is happy so hopefully he can stay.”

25/04/10 08:07 AM Juventus assembling backroom staff for Rafael Benitez
KopTalk Team
Reports today claim that Juventus have begun assembling the backroom staff for Rafael Benitez.
It is widely claimed that Rafa’s agent has made it clear to the Italian giants that if his client takes the job he would want assistant Mauricio Pellegrino, fitness coach Paco De Miguel and Liverpool scout Eduardo Macia appointing.
West Ham United’s Italian fitness coach Antonio Pintus would also be offered a job at the request of Benitez.
According to the reports, these demands have been approved by Juventus along with pledges of a huge transfer kitty.

(THIS STORY WAS STOLEN FROM AN ARTICLE IN THAT DAY’S EDITION OF THE PEOPLE)

25/04/2010 07:49 AM Liverpool swoop for super kid
KopTalk Team Administrator
Liverpool have reportedly made enquiries regarding the availability of Charlton super kid Jonjo Shelvey.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder – who is under contract until 2012 – has been tracked by Arsenal and Chelsea but it is claimed that Kop legend Kenny Dalglish has already made contact and that a formal transfer bid could be imminent.
Shelvey captained the England Under 16’s to glory in the 2007 Victory Shield scoring three goals in three games. He also played a key role in the Montaigu Tournament which England won the for the first time in seven years, playing in all four games and scoring a penalty in the final against France. In October 2008 he made his debut for the England Under 17’s and scored in a 7-0 win over Estonia.
He is the youngest player to have ever turned out for Charlton at the age of 16 years and 59 days.

(PLEASE NOTE: OLDHAM STOLE THIS STORY, YET AGAIN, FROM HIS FAVOURITE RAG, THE S*N. SEE HERE FOR GOAL.COM’S SUMMARY THAT REPORT. THE GUARDIANALSO RAN THE VAN DER VAART STORY EARLIER THAT DAY)

24/04/2010 09:51 AM Liverpool linked with Real Madrid duo
KopTalk Team Administrator
Rafa Benitez is looking at bringing in Rafael van der Vaart this summer.
Anfield officials met in Madrid before Liverpool’s Europa League semi‑final against Atlético on Thursday to discuss the player’s availability and valuation.
The 27-year-old midfielder would like to test himself in the Premier League but until Rafa’s future is resolved at Anfield, a formal bid looks highly unlikely.
A proposed move to Anfield several years ago collapsed.
Former Chelsea and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra has also been linked with the Reds.

(PLEASE NOTE: THIS KOPTALK ARTICLE WAS, YET AGAIN, A COPY AND PASTE OF A STORY FROM THE S*N. SEE HERE FOR TRIBAL FOOTBALL’S SUMMARY OF THE REPORT)

(OLDHAM STOLE THE FOLLOWING KOPTALK REPORT FROM THIS ARTICLE IN THE DAILY TELEGRAPH)

12/04/10 05:36 PM Fernando Torres checks in with knee specialist
KopTalk Team Administrator
Fernando TorresFernando Torres has spent Monday with a specialist following the recurrence of his knee injury.
The Liverpool striker played no part against Fulham yesterday as a result of the ongoing problem that has held him back for most of the season.
Speaking after yesterday’s 0-0 draw, Reds boss Rafa Benitez said: “He has a problem with his knee and has gone to see a specialist. We are waiting for news.
“We don’t know really [how long he will be out for], it depends on the specialists tomorrow. He had a problem before and we were trying to protect him.”
Reports here in Spain today claim that Torres could be out for the rest of the season but there is no confirmation of such at Anfield.

(DUNK STOLE THE FOLLWING KOPTALK REPORTS FROM THIS ARTICLE BY GUILLEM BALAGUE AND THIS ARTICLE FROM THE MIRROR BY DAVID MADDOCK)

13/04/10 08:48 AM Fernando Torres stays in Spain – Injury Update
KopTalk Team Administrator
Fernando Torres has remained in Spain to undergo further assessment on his knee problem.
The Liverpool striker is undergoing tests in Barcelona with top knee specialist Dr Ramón Cugat.
Reports in Spain yesterday claimed that the hitman would have to sit out the rest of the season but they would say that as they want him to figure at the World Cup finals.However it is believed that Torres is declaring himself available and willing to play in pain for the Reds, especially to try and help us win the Europa Cup.We’ll keep you updated.

April 13, 2010 09:17 Fernando Torres diagnosis not serious – KOPTALK SOURCES
KopTalk TeamKOPTALK sources have told our members that no major problems have been detected on Fernando Torres’ knee.An ultrasound scan and other tests have shown no obvious signs of any serious problems. Subsequently Torres has been told to rest this week before undergoing tests at Melwood on Friday by Liverpool’s own medical team.
Despite this positive news this doesn’t mean Torres is in the clear, far from it because the injury remains. He has made it known that he is willing to play but there are risks associated to such a decision.
It would appear that Liverpool have opted to sit on the diagnosis from Dr Ramón Cugat rather than make too much information made available to the media although that may change later in the week or late on Friday.

13/04/10 11:31 AM Torres specialist says striker could play in a week
KopTalk Team Administrator
The knee specialist that has been treating Fernando Torres in Barcelona says the Liverpool striker’s injury is not serious.Dr Ramon Cugat confirmed our earlier report today that says Torres doesn’t have a serious injury as feared.
Cugat said: “The problem is not serious but he needs to stop and rest to avoid more risk because it’s the same knee on which he had surgery in January.
“But in normal circumstances, he could be ready to play next week, depending on how it settles down.
“The decision is now up to Liverpool’s medical staff and the manager.”
KOPTALK sources claim Torres will be checked over by Liverpool’s medical team on Friday.

(NEXT OLDHAM DECIDED THAT TORRES WAS GOING TO BE FINE AFTER ALL – PROVING ONCE AGAIN THAT HE HAS NO “INSIDER” CONTACTS AT ALL)

13/04/10 08:53 AM Fernando Torres
The_InformerNo major problem detected with his knee.The club are trying to keep his diagnosis out of the media.
Torres will be examined at Melwood by the club’s own medical team on Friday.

13/04/10 09:41 AM Re: Fernando Torres [Re: Ranter]
Dunk Editor
If he’s not due back at Melwood until Friday that could be why he’s remained in Spain. Personally I can’t see him returning to action just yet but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the Europa League.

13/04/10 11:40 AM Re: Fernando Torres [Re: The_Informer]
DunkNow confirmed that it’s not serious by the specialist. It’s hitting the media as we speak. Be interesting to see what Liverpool say, if anything. Rest him for Europe I say.

18/04/10 03:14 PM Benitez unsure if Torres will play again this season
KopTalk Team AdministratorKOPTALK sources claim that officials from Liverpool Football Club and the Spanish Football Association are trying to put off the enivitable surgery that the hitman faces to keep him available for the Europa Cup and World Cup competitions.

FOUR HOURS LATER, THE CLUB ANNOUNCED THAT TORRES WOULD UNDERGO SURGERY. UTTER HUMILIATION FOR DUNK. AGAIN.

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(PLEASE NOTE – THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 16 ARTICLES IN THE NATIONAL PRESS SINCE OCTOBER LINKING TORRES WITH A MOVE AWAY FROM LIVERPOOL)

07/04/10 08:14 AM Torres: Liverpool will bounce back with Rafa
KopTalk Team
KOPTALK sources are of the opinion that Torres will seriously consider a summer exit unless there is significant investment in the team this summer.
Manchester City will be favourites to sign him should George Gillett and Tom Hicks make him available for transfer. Chelsea would also obviously be linked.

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(PLEASE NOTE: NEWS OF G&H STEPPING DOWN FROM THE BOARD AND OF MARTIN BROUGHTON’S APPOINTMENT BROKE ON APRIL 9TH. BARCAP’S INVOLVEMENT WAS FIRST REPORTED ON APRIL 10TH. THE CLUB MADE AN OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT MARTIN BROUGHTON ON APRIL 16TH. SO, AS HOPELESSLY VAGUE AS OLDHAM WAS, APRIL 17TH STILL WASN’T IN ANY WAY AN IMPORTANT DATE)

11/04/2010 07:43 PM Hicks and Gillett finally ready to quit Liverpool for good
KopTalk Team
KOPTALK sources recently told our VIP members that the forthcoming week would be of particular interest and singled out the 17th as a key date. It would appear that they were accurate even though the information supplied was not specific.
While the media claim that there is strong interest from various parts of the globe, we’re led to believe that most of these claims are complete nonsense and that nobody has brought anything serious to the table since the global financial crisis kicked in.

(PLEASE NOTE: A KUWAITI GROUP CAME WITHIN A WHISKER OF BUYING LIVERPOOL DURING THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS, IN THE SUMMER OF 2008. SEE THIS REPORT:

“Nasser al-Kharafi, the Kuwaiti billionaire… approached the Americans last year with a view to sealing a £600m purchase of the Anfield club. But, with contracts all but signed, Kharafi inexplicably pulled out of the negotiations. Hicks is said by one close observer to have been “incandescent” at the failure to close the deal last summer.”)

10/04/10 07:43 PM Hicks and Gillett finally ready to quit Liverpool for good
KopTalk Team
George Gillett and Tom Hicks have finally opted to cash in and sell Liverpool Football Club.
The Liverpool FC co-owners have been fighting to hold onto the club by trying to only sell a percentage of the club but they are now ready to pull completely out of Anfield.
Investment bank Barclays Capital are to be instructed to find new buyers and British Airways chairman Martin Broughton – a Chelsea fan – should be appointed as the club’s new chairman next week.
Gillett and Hicks have been advised to appoint an independent chairman because it is claimed that potential investors are cautious about investing when they see fans protesting militant style at the duo when in town.
Neither man will agree to sell the club on the cheap and that has frightened off numerous parties in the past. But if they can pull off some kind of minor investment that would still leave them in power they would still consider staying.
However this is the first time that both men have actually considered a realistic departure and they will have to dramatically reduce their previous valuations to secure a complete buyout.
One City insider is quoted as saying: “An appointment like this would be purely cosmetic. Broughton is a serious business heavyweight but it will not help Liverpool find new money.
“Their problems remain, and the owners are playing a dangerous game with time running out.”
Another is quoted as saying: “This is almost certain to be an exit process.”
The Rhone Group’s recent offer has expired and sources in New York claim they won’t return. This could be why the duo are starting to bottle it with the Royal Bank of Scotland demanding that the club’s debts be reduced by at least £100million by the end of July.
Those who have been turned away by the owners before will be re-invited to submit new offers and new interest will of course be followed up.

(You can tell which bits Dunk added in himself, as they read like they were written by a four-year-old.)

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(PLEASE NOTE – THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 13 ARTICLES IN THE NATIONAL PRESS SINCE OCTOBER LINKING GERRARD WITH A MOVE AWAY FROM LIVERPOOL)

01/04/10 06:42 PM Jose Mourinho to bid £30million for Steven Gerrard – REPORT
KopTalk Team
Italian sports paper Tuttosport is reporting that Jose Mourinho is planning a £30million summer bid for Steven Gerrard.
Although Liverpool supporters willl never accept that Gerrard will leave, we believe that he will be made available for transfer in the summer and that Spanish giants Real Madrid will be favourites to land him.
With Gerrard turning 30 next month, Liverpool know that it’s time to cash in now and the club will not block his exit if a suitable bid comes in.
What is worrying is that Liverpool are not in a position to play hard to get so it wouldn’t surprise us if Gerrard was sold for less than £20million.

07/04/10 01:08 PM Re: Gerrard [Re: Paul Jackson]
Dunk Editor
Has to be Real. They’re serious this year. It’s also been suggested to me that Italy is an option but where? I was told Barca aren’t interested.(BY WHO? THE VOICES IN YOUR HEAD?)Can’t see him joining an English club. Alongside Alonso, providing Rafa isn’t there, is a strong possibility.But hey, he could still stay yet

07/04/10 12:25 PM Gerrard: Reina would be a great Liverpool captain
KopTalk Team
KOPTALK sources believe this summer could see the exit of Steven Gerrard and that Real Madrid are lining up a summer transfer bid. More on that here.

11/04/2010 11:33 AM Benitez admits he may have to sell Gerrard or Torres
KopTalk Team
The KOPTALK editor recently revealed that Steven Gerrard has been made available for transfer by Christian Purslow. This basically means if a club comes in for him and Gerrard wants to leave, then the club will not stand in his way.

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(PLEASE NOTE – AQUILANI PLAYED FOR LIVERPOOL ON APRIL 4TH AGAINST BIRMINGHAM, AND AGAIN ON APRIL 8TH AGAINST BENFICA, APRIL 11TH AGAINST FULHAM, APRIL 25TH AGAINST BURNLEY AND APRIL 29 AGAINST ATLETICO MADRID)

01/04/2010 at 10:15 AM Liverpool’s Aquilani out for the season
KopTalk Team Administrator
KOPTALK sources are reporting that Rafa Benitez has been told not to deploy Alberto Aquilani again this season.
ED: This isn’t an April Fool BTW, unless someone has set me up!

02/04/10 09:48 PM Benitez unhappy with Kop flop Aquilani
KopTalk Team KOPTALK sources reported yesterday that the player was out for the rest of the season but that is yet to be confirmed by the club.

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(PLEASE NOTE: MARTIN O’NEILL AND ALEX MCLEISH HAVE BOTH BEEN REGULARLY LINKED WITH THE LIVERPOOL JOB IN THE NATIONAL PRESS OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS.)

04/04/10 12:24 PM Re: Martin O’Neill [Re: kingofkop]
Dunk
Editor
This is an interesting post because last week a source of mine said we may have to consider someone who knows the English league and who can get the best out of a squad on limited funds *if* we can’t land Mourinho, Rijkaard or similar. But if he’s not happy with Villa’s money, would he be happy at Liverpool? Personall I still think he’d take the job.

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(PLEASE NOTE – THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 15 ARTICLES IN THE NATIONAL PRESS SINCE OCTOBER SAYING RAFA WILL LEAVE)

At first, Oldham wasn’t sure whether or not Benitez will leave:

01/04/2010 04:26 PM Re: Liverpool are finished as a “Top Four” side… [Re: Hal]
Dunk
There will be big changes in the summer and providing the board pledge and deliver good money from sales, the new manager, if Rafa is to leave, will be able to spend well.

A few days later, he decided Rafa was definitely off:

04/04/10 05:00 PM Re: Rafa could have no arguments if he was sacked tonight [Re: Iver]
Dunk EditorRafa’s gone. His agent has been trying to negotiate his golden handshake for a while. Watch this space.

But less than hour later, Dunk suddenly said Benitez might be staying after all:

04/04/10 06:02 PM Re: If you were Rafa? [Re: drogred]
Dunk Editor
Rafa’s agent is negotiating his pay-off. He’s off in the summer unless he’s sacked before. Things can change but I don’t see it.

The following day, Rafa was definitely going again:

05/04/10 12:43 PM Something has to give and something will
Dunk EditorIf a sugar daddy came in over the summer, and let’s be honest, that is not going to happen, would Rafa’s ability to recruit decent talent make the Liverpool players he has lost happy? I think not and that’s why he will have to leave and that’s why he is going to leave.

But the next day, Oldham once more wasn’t sure if he was off or not:

06/04/10 01:55 PM Re: My take on Rafa [Re: koppite7]
Dunk EditorWhether Rafa goes or not in the summer, I’ll be happy either way because I will just accept it.
You know, if Roy Evans had received the backing that Houllier and Rafa have had, he’d have delivered the title.

Two days later, he seemed even less certain:

08/04/10 01:36 PM Re: Juventus, ultimatum to Benitez. [Re: mtw]
Dunk
Bad date.
The offer does exist though and surely they need to know soon.
I’m informed his agent has been trying to negotiate his pay off.

After that, Oldham just gave in and began rehashing whatever the national press were reporting (you can read about that here).

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DUNK’S EXPERIENCED MORE OF THOSE RECURRING FANTASIES ABOUT HAVING INSIDER CONTACTS AT REAL MADRID, WHICH ARE ALWAYS GOOD FOR A CHEAP LAUGH:

12/03/10 12:06 PM EDITOR: Players have a duty to us and not just the manager
Dunk Editor
I have no relationship with Peter Crouch but I do have a foot in the Alonso camp and that lad would have stayed had Rafa not been so stubborn.

05/04/10 12:43 PM Something has to give and something will
Dunk EditorReal Madrid will make an official approach for Steven Gerrard in the summer.I have contacts there

12/04/10 10:04 PM Re: Real Madrid fans nr.1 wish for new season [Re: KOCUR]
Dunk EditorReal chiefs believe Alonso might jump ship if Rafa goes there and they also feel they would have no chance of signing Gerrard.

18/04/10 08:17 PM Real Madrid and Ronaldo
Dunk Editor
Just heard on the comms there that they recently sold their 1 millionth RONALDO shirt…And to think their CEO wants to be at Anfield but the Yanks wouldn’t touch him

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COULD THIS POST BY OLDHAM POSSIBLY BE ANY MORE VAGUE AND SCATTERSHOT?

04/04/10 06:24 PM Re: Summer [Re: L_F_C]
Dunk Editor
I’d take a bet that Rafa will be gone this summer unless something dramatically changes.
I personally can’t see Mourinho coming in unless we have new owners. He’d love the job, the club etc but he’s not a Hodgson, Moyes or O’Neill.
New investment, I’d say there’s a 70% chance of that but nothing is on the table that will make a big difference to us.I can see the club listening to offers for Gerrard. I am of the opinion that his agent knows this which obviously means Steven does.
Torres… I feel he could stay another year but a huge bid this summer would be given serious consideration.
New investment may help secure an attractive managerial name but I can also see us recruiting a less attractive name (to some) but with more experience of the English game e.g. another current Premiership manager. Dalglish would also take the job.

IN SUMMARY: PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING MIGHT HAPPEN, BUT THEN AGAIN IT MIGHT NOT. WELL WORTH £36 PER YEAR.

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HERE’S A DELIGHTFUL MIXTURE OF THE OBVIOUS, THE POISONOUS AND THE UTTERLY RIDICULOUS:

05/04/10 12:43 PM Something has to give and something will
Dunk Editor
Last year, in the early stages of the season I told our members that Raf4a had lost the dressing room. This wasn’t an opinion, this was direct from within the squad.When I type up editorials I often have to put my editorials across as just my opinion but this is often because if I come straight out with the truth and the facts that either a source could be compromised or a source has specifically said you must not cover this. It drives me insane.
Members should always monitor my posts following editorials and look for other hints. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know the drill.If a sugar daddy came in over the summer, and let’s be honest, that is not going to happen, would Rafa’s ability to recruit decent talent make the Liverpool players he has lost happy? I think not and that’s why he will have to leave and that’s why he is going to leave. His agent is currently negotiating his settlement and the offer from Juventus remains on the table. Liverpool are already looking for his replacement.
Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina are the key players who have no time for the manager any more. I also believe that list includes Javier Mascherano but I can’t remember everything so for the benefit of fairness, we’ll leave Mascherano out of that group.
It could be too late to retain Gerrard and Torres. I have it on concrete authority that Gerrard’s agent has been told he can leave this summer. Note that he hasn’t been told he has to leave, but if a suitable bid comes in, it will be accepted. If that happens, don’t be surprised if he leaves for much less than you and I would expect.Real Madrid will make an official approach for Steven Gerrard in the summer.I have contacts there and I can guarantee an approach if the player remains injury free. But if Rafa did end up at Real Madrid, there’s no chance Steven would make the move. At this stage of his career could you blame Gerrard for not wanting to play Thursday night football? If he leaves, he leaves with my blessing and he should leave with yours.

04/04/10 10:16 PM Re: Here You Go [Re: Dunk]
Dunk Editor
I’ve been saying for months that Gerrard has a problem with Rafa – along with several other players. Ok you could argue it’s one incident but go with me on this, this clip speaks volumes; it’s not the first time the skipper has scratched his head publicly either.
Torres, Gerrard, Carragher and Pepe (I think Mascherano too but I can’t remember so we’ll leave him out)… they all want a change of manager. Worringly I believe we could lose Torres and Gerrard this summer. Not just because of Rafa though but also because of no funding. You might get another year out of Torres but I think Gerrard will go unless something dramatically changes.

05/04/10 01:49 PM Re: Something has to give and something will [Re: RedExpat]
Dunk Editor
The good thing is nobody is saying as yet that any of them are planning to leave. There are suggestions that Torres and Gerrard will jump regardless, especially Gerrard. I would have thought that if Rafa went they’d see what happens under a new boss so I’m trying to keep the faith.

05/04/10 07:19 PM Re: Something has to give and something will [Re: richt71]
Dunk Editor
Loads of mutual respect and yes, Rafa wanted this appointment but I’m led to believe that the King is as confused as everyone else.

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05/04/10 10:29 PM What worries me…
Dunk Editor
We have no chief executive and no real chairman. Dalglish would axe Rafa (in my opinion) and not for his own benefit. The players, well the important ones, clearly would axe Rafa too (in my opinion).

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THEN WE CAME TO THE REAL REASON FOR ALL THIS “INSIDER” BULLSHIT: OLDHAM WANTS TO COAX HIS MEMBERS INTO PUTTING BETS ON THROUGH HIS BETTING AFFILIATE, BLUE SQUARE. HE PLASTERS ADS FOR BLUE SQUARE ALL OVER KOPTALK – AND HE KEEPS MAKING MONEY FROM EVERY SINGLE BET THAT ANY MEMBER WHO SIGNS UP FOR BSQ VIA KOPTALK PUTS ON FOR AS LONG AS THEY KEEP THE ACCOUNT OPEN.

08/04/10 02:32 PM As a matter of interest
Dunk Editor
Dear Mr Oldham,
Thank you for taking time to contact us requesting some odds.
We are happy to offer you the odds of 9/1 maximum stake £50 on ‘Rafa Benitez to be appointed full time manager of Juventus for start of 2010-11 season’, please place your bet before the 12th of April 2010.
We are happy to offer you the odds of 6/4 maximum stake £50 on ‘Steven Gerrard to leave Liverpool before start of 2010-11 season’, please place your bet before 12th of April 2010.
We are happy to offer you the odds of 4/1 maximum stake £50 on ‘Steven Gerrard to sign for Real Madrid on permanent contract for start of 2010-11 season’, please place your bet before 12th of April 2010.
—-
I was curious that’s all \:\)

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PLEASE NOTE: ON MARCH 23RD (ALMOST TWO WEEKS BEFORE OLDHAM’S POST BELOW), THERE WERE WIDESPREAD REPORTS THAT ROBERTO BETTEGA, JUVE’S GENERAL DIRECTOR, HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH BENITEZ WHEN HE CAME TO THE UK FOR HIS TEAM’S EUROPA LEAGUE MATCH AGAINST FULHAM.

31/03/2010 at 01:14 PM Re: Just an editorial based on a few things today [Re: Robsabbaggio]
Dunk Editor
I can only go on what I’m told…
* If you’d asked me yesterday I would have said that no money would be forthcoming. Ask me today and I’d say a part sale is on the cards with the duo staying. There are people trying to put pressure on them to leave.
* RBS are going to step things up, no doubt about that so money needs to be forthcoming.
* Rhone Group have a close relationship with Hicks and are said to be as ruthless as him. They are here purely to exploit us further. This could be unfair, but it’s what I’m told. Again, I don’t personally know.
* The players have lost faith because of the treatment of other players who have been moved on. Basically the way they were handled. I asked the same question about key players giving it another season because to me, I would have thought that Gerrard and Co. would welcome the change and a new start. All I was given was Gerrard doesnt want to be playing Thursday night football and Torres is desperate to win the CL. Both players know that an overnight change isn’t going to happen.
* They know future TV deals AND a new stadium will maximise their personal gain.

This is comedy gold (assuming you aren’t actually paying money to read this crap, of course)…

FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Silva, Riera, Guti – LATEST

–leads to–

31/03/2010 08:27 AM An update
The_Informer
Riera has received more lucrative offers than those received from Russia. 3 Spanish clubs plus 1 English club have made enquiries via his agent.
Rafaels agent Manuel Garcia Quilon met Zoran Vekic last week. Vekic represents Real Madrids veteran midfielder Guti. The 33 year old player is considering a move to England. Despite his age he’s looking for £4 million in wages per year. Liverpool can match this.
It recently came up in a conversation that Rafael tried to sign Lassana Diarra before he went to Real Madrid.
There will be no move for David Silva this summer. The asking price has doubled from that agreed between Liverpool and Valencia last year. Rafael was very close to reaching a transfer but Hicks and Gilletts regime prevented it from happening. Manchester United are favourites if you listen to the press but Rafael told me xxxx xxxxx that Real Madrid now have an agreement in place according to Pako Ayestaran. Ayestaran hasn’t told Rafael this directly but according to him the deal is in place if Real Madrid choose to take it.
April 17 is an important date for the future of Liverpool Football Club.Edited by Dunk (Today at 08:30 AM)
Edit Reason: edited out something that could help give identity away of source

30/03/2010 12:32 PM Liverpool linked with the new Xabi Alonso
KopTalk Team Administrator
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has reportedly stepped up his interest in Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez.
It is claimed that Rafa sent a scout to watch Martinez in action at Atletico Madrid last Thursday, which wouldn’t be the first time we’ve checked him over.
When Liverpool were linked with Martinez in 2007, it was reported he had a £17.1million release clause in his contract.
Manchester City have been linked with a possible £16million summer swoop for the 21-year-old.KOPTALK sources insist that Martinez is a genuine target and out of every name that has been mentioned with us, this is one that we are paying close attention to. Actually, right now, this is probably the only link that we feel is genuine.Rafa Benitez is a fan and he’s tried to bring Martinez to Anfield before. As previously reported by us, the player has been monitored for several years(PLEASE NOTE: THIS WAS ALSO WIDELY REPORTED IN THE NATIONAL PRESS – FOR EXAMPLE HERE AND HERE).
His agent Antonio Sanz is a close friend of Benitez. We understand that Sanz has kept the Liverpool boss in the loop regarding his client’s availability. The last time they met (that we’re aware of) was to discuss the progress of Daniel Parejo (Getafe).
Martinez has spoken of his desire to play in Liverpool and in a recent interview he spoke of “a special connection” with a Premier League side although he didn’t name the club.
When asked about reported interest from Manchester City he showed no real interest and made a point of referring to another Premiership club that had followed him for some time. It is widely accepted in Spain that the 2nd club is Liverpool and that Anfield is where Martinez fancies.This name is definitely one that you should monitor. We would be very surprised if Rafa doesn’t make a formal bid as soon as the season ends. However, because of the financial problems at Anfield we sadly never know what real money the boss will be given to spend. We’ll have to sit tight but don’t dismiss this one.

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FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: Liverpool approach Real Betis

–leads to–

22/03/10 10:15 AM Liverpool linked with striker
KopTalk Team Administrator
Liverpool have been linked with Real Betis striker Manuel Gavilan.
It is claimed that Rafa Benitez has made an enquiry regarding the availability of the 19-year-old forward who has been attracting major interest from Premier League sides.
The Reds have scouted Gavilan before and it would appear that our interest in him is genuine. However there has been no official offer tabled at this time.

23/03/10 02:31 PM Defender responds to Liverpool transfer speculation
KopTalk Team Administrator
Hull City defender Steven Mouyokolo says he is flattered by reported interest in him from Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.
The 23-year-old Frenchman signed a 4-year deal with Hull on 2nd June 2009 but is rumoured to be looking to move to a bigger club.
Resaponding to the speculation, Mouyokolo said: “I am flattered by the interest of prestigious club like Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, these clubs are dream clubs.
“I have a four-year contract here, but you never know. When clubs like that come for you it makes you think.
“But I am relaxed, I am here and doing my best for Hull City.”

09:18 AM The Rhone Group & DIC have history
Mars0634 Moderator Online content
Probably something or nothing but was interesting to see, anyway read he article for yourselves, not sure if already posted mind you so apologies if it has been.

Gillett and Hicks given three weeks to accept £100m deal
By Ian Herbert – The Irish Independent
Thursday March 18 2010
[copy and paste of the Herbert article]

(YES, YOU DID READ THAT CORRECTLY – OLDHAM IS DEMANDING £30+ TO READ A COPY AND PASTE OF A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE PUT ON KOPTALK BY ONE OF HIS MEMBERS. EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY)

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FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: £15million striker attracting interest

–leads to–

Liverpool linked with £15million Premier League forward
KopTalk Team Administrator
Liverpool are reportedly interested in Hugo Rodallega and are monitoring the player’s situation at Wigan.
The 24-year-old Colombian striker – who can also be deployed as a winger – cost Wigan £4.4million in 2009 and made his debut against the Reds.
Aston Villa have been linked heavily with Rodallega who has been scouted by Liverpool representatives at least twice this season.

March 18th
Dunk
Editor
11/02/10 09:58 AM
Registered: 31/07/98I’m informed that March 18th is when the summer transfer summit will be. Basically this is when the manager and CEO sit down and draw up their intentions for the summer market. Obviously there are other meetings prior and afterwards for all matters but this is a key meeting. The transfer summits are usually pretty informal and last a couple of hours and then the CEO would usually report back to his board.

PLEASE NOTE: OLDHAM MADE THIS UP HIMSELF

—

(the comments below are excerpts – the entire post is too dull and rambling to copy in full. You can read it here if you have a strong stomach)

12:12 PM Just an editorial based on a few things today
Dunk

I believe, and you don’t have to agree with me on this, that if we fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League that Rafa Benitez will definitely leave. He will be presented with several options.

I am aware that Real Madrid are very interested in recruiting him, however, if we do not secure a top 4 finish, they believe they will be able to pull off the signing of Steven Gerrard to be deployed alongside Xabi Alonso. But Steven Gerrard will not make the switch to the Spanish giants if Rafa Benitez takes over. Real are also aware that it will unsettle Xabi Alonso if they consider appointing Benitez.

The most likely destination for Benitez will be Italy. Juventus are long term admirers and Inter Milan will also be looking for a manager with Jose Mourinho almost certain to be on his way back to the Premier League with Manchester City. The Italian style of football may be better suited to Benitez.

I have a source who is a friend of Mourinho. We’ve been talking about the former Chelsea manager and whether or not he’d consider the Liverpool job. I was told several months ago that he would love to manage Liverpool but not under the current owners. If there’s no change at the top, he will not consider the position because he doesn’t want to ruin his reputation as the ‘Special One’.

The same source – one of our VIP members – will be making calls to people associated to Manchester City, Real Madrid and Inter Milan today and has pledged to come back to me. There’s no promises he’ll get anything but I will chase him up next week so come back for a fresh update after the weekend and I’ll update you either way.

If it’s too sensitive then I will have to retain the update for our VIP members but I’m sure I can still put something on our non-members website for non-members to have a nosey at. I don’t like retaining things but our VIP members are our ‘bread and butter’ and if it wasn’t for them there would be no free site at all. We have to respect them.
So Mourinho takes over at Manchester City. I predict that his first signing would be Fernando Torres. Now remember, I’m basing this on a finish outside the top 4. Steven Gerrard is more likely to go to Real Madrid than City but this is where I see the Spanish international moving to.

I’ve told our members before that some senior players in the squad have no time for Benitez. I told our members some time ago that I had been led to believe that Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher weren’t happy under Benitez. Today I’ve been told that has been extended to cover Pepe Reina, Javier Mascherano AND Fernando Torres.

If we finish outside the top 4 we’ll be looking for a new manager. I made it no secret that earlier in the season I had a flutter on Kenny Dalglish to replace Benitez. I’d like that to come off, not just because I’d be quids in but because I’d like to see the ‘Liverpool Way’ return again, ‘Pass-and-Move’ and all that. But away from my heart, I believe Frank Rijkaard would be our top candidate. Now of course we’d bite Mourinho’s hand off, but I’m assuming we still have Gillett and Hicks in power so it won’t happen. But I’d love to be proved wrong.

Rijkaard is on a short term contract at Galatasaray. It is possible that he too would be put off by the ownership situation but his name was thrown strongly into the hat today. Make of that what you will.

I’m been informed not to believe the reports that claim Hicks opposes the Rhone Group. It would seem that they are closer to each other than we think. I’m not going to say too much on this front but it would be highly beneficial to Hicks if the Rhone Group do come in.

The interest from India and others who have been mooted is [oops]. Don’t fall for it. There is no White Knight out there at the moment.

But what if we did finish outside 4th and owners don’t pull the trigger, then what? Well Rafa stays but we’re left with a problem that half of the first team would prefer him gone so this will have a knock-on effect with regards their futures. New deals for them is Rafa’s way of placating them and the club knows this boosts their valuations.

I don’t like throwing negativity out there and I’m sure some of you will be abusive and if that’s your thing, that’s cool. It’s like water off a duck’s back to me.

Let’s be honest, I have no idea what will happen in the summer but neither does Rafa. Nothing will give me greater satisfaction if none of the above comes off. What will help prevent this is finishing 4th. If we don’t finish 4th, then I am going to be very, very worried. If you don’t want to share that worry with me fine, but take into consideration that my update today isn’t based on hearsay or some random hunches.

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31/03/2010 at 12:28 PM Re: Just an editorial based on a few things today [Re: Dunk]
PJ
In your opinion, would a top four finish and a Europa league win be enough to reverse the bad feeling of the players you formentioned towards Rafa?

31/03/2010 at 12:32 PM Re: Just an editorial based on a few things today [Re: PJ]
Dunk Editor
No. But this is what people who actually know what’s going on feel. I’m just a messenger.

31/03/2010 at 01:14 PM Re: Just an editorial based on a few things today [Re: Robsabbaggio]
Dunk Editor

I can only go on what I’m told…

* If you’d asked me yesterday I would have said that no money would be forthcoming. Ask me today and I’d say a part sale is on the cards with the duo staying. There are people trying to put pressure on them to leave.

* RBS are going to step things up, no doubt about that so money needs to be forthcoming.

* Rhone Group have a close relationship with Hicks and are said to be as ruthless as him. They are here purely to exploit us further. This could be unfair, but it’s what I’m told. Again, I don’t personally know.

* The players have lost faith because of the treatment of other players who have been moved on. Basically the way they were handled. I asked the same question about key players giving it another season because to me, I would have thought that Gerrard and Co. would welcome the change and a new start. All I was given was Gerrard doesnt want to be playing Thursday night football and Torres is desperate to win the CL. Both players know that an overnight change isn’t going to happen.

* They know future TV deals AND a new stadium will maximise their personal gain.

—

FRONT PAGE HEADLINE: David Silva decision – LATEST

–leads to–

David Silva latest – Key June date set
KopTalk Team Administrator
03/03/10 12:27 PM
Valencia will decide in June if they will entertain offers for their highly-rated winger David Silva.
Reports in Spain today claim that Liverpool are amongst a host of clubs still interested in signing the Spanish international and that his club will soon make a decision regarding his future.
It is claimed that Valencia president Manuel Llorente is currently trying to fight off Real Madrid who want to launch a double swoop for Silva and team-mate David Villa.
Villa is definitely out of our reach and Silva, well he was up for a move last summer but his transfer valuation was too high then and it’s bound to be much higher now.
Expect Manchester United to show serious interest in Silva this summer.
Basically it looks like we’re going to endure the same speculation that we do every year regarding these two players.

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ANOTHER KOPTALK CLASSIC:

18/03/1005:21 PM Re: Mourinho back in EPL [Re: Pilkington]
Dunk
EditorWe have a member here who is a friend of Jose’s. He claims that Jose wouldn’t take the job because “it could ruin his reputation as a winner” – exact words. However, if there was a change in ownership or if there were guarantees of full support from the board, then he would take it.

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DON’T EXPECT TO ACTUALLY GET THOSE SMS UPDATES HE PROMISES ON THE SIGN-UP PAGE:

March 2009
LFC V LILLE – SMS PROBLEM
KopTalk Team Administrator
There is a problem with the service provider’s website so we are currently unable to send out the team by SMS. We have reported the problem to them \:\)

Real Madrid planning double transfer bid
KopTalk Team Administrator
15/03/10 09:01 AM
Reports in Spain today claim that Real Madrid are to launch a summer transfer bid for Fernando Torres.KOPTALK sources insist that Torres has not immediate intentions to quit Anfield but they have also made us aware of some interest from Barcelona in the striker. Ironically our source is based at the Bernabeu but they are always aware of what moves are taking place at the Nou Camp.Sadly for us, it looks like this summer is going to involve a lot of transfer speculation relating to our key players.

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QUICK TRANSLATION FOR NEW READERS: “KOPTALK SOURCES” = THE NATIONAL PRESS

Rhone Group linked with £118.5m Liverpool FC investment
KopTalk Team Administrator
14/03/10 04:16 PM
Credible reports today claim that New York based private equity firm ‘Rhone Group’ have begun due diligence with Liverpool Football Club ahead of a possible £118.5million investment.
The group is headed by billionaire financiers Robert Agostinelli and Steven Langman and they are said to be interested in a possible 40% purchase.
Such a deal would give them a controlling interest as that would leave Tom Hicks and George Gillett with 30% each.
A number of potential investors are interested but this latest shower actually appear very serious and KOPTALK sources are backing up today’s claims.
If a deal did go through, the money would pay off the £100million that the Royal Bank of Scotland are demanding by the summer.
Details of the offer were received by Liverpool officials yesterday and the matter has yet to be discussed by the board.

—

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A BARE-FACED LIE – THERE WAS NO SUCH “TIP-OFF” ON THE MEMBERS’ WEBSITE.

Mark Lawrenson calls for Rafa Benitez to be sacked
KopTalk Team Administrator
13/03/10 02:26 PM
Mark LawrensonMark Lawrenson is calling for Rafa Benitez to be sacked from his position as manager.The KOPTALK editor was tipped off yesterday (see our members website) that the former Liverpool defender was going to launch a scathing attack on the Reds boss this weekend and he hasn’t failed to deliver.

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EDITOR: Players have a duty to us and not just the manager
KopTalk Team
Administrator
12/03/10 12:05 PM
I’m led to believe that the owners are prepared to pull the trigger regardless of this nonsense about compensation pay-offs etc. Looking at our next 3 games, I’d have to say that if they go wrong he could get the bullet.
After David Moores sold up I was told by someone who was involved in the take-over process that he didn’t want to sell up to non-Westerners (Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum). Whether that’s true or not I don’t know but what I do know is that I have lost all respect for him.
Dunk
KopTalk Editor

Winger issues come and get me plea to Liverpool
KopTalk Team Administrator
04/03/10 12:33 PM
ArdaGalatasaray winger Arda Turan has issued a ‘come-and-get-me’ plea to Rafa Benitez.
The 23-year-old left-sided Turkish international was last linked with us back in December and KOPTALK sources insist that the player has bee scouted by Liverpool representatives.

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MORE PURE FANTASY FROM OLDHAM:

18/02/10 12:03 PM Irish-British consortium want complete Liverpool takeover
KopTalk Team Administrator
A consortium made up of Irish and British businessmen are interested in a complete takeover of Liverpool Football Club.
Reports today claim that the consortium is offering to buy out both Tom Hicks and George Gillett and hand Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez £100million to spend on strengthening the first team in the summer.
Documentation backing up today’s speculation also states that the consortium have a sponsor on board who is interested in the stadium naming rights and that if a sale can be struck, their sponsorship funds would enable the cash injection into the team for Rafa Benitez to launch a Premier League assault next season.
A condition of their proposed takeover is that Rafa Benitez remains in charge and that the current owners walk from Anfield and waive their rights to any future gate receipts and payments based on Liverpool’s future success, something they tried to negotiate before with DIC.
One source is quoted as saying: “The group consists of people with a connection to horse racing and football.“A former Liverpool FC shareholder is also part of the syndicate who have lined up former Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry as their official spokesperson should they get a foot in the door.
“A condition of sale is that Hicks and Gillett sell the club and give up any future rights that they may try to negotiate into a deal. There also has to be stability in the coaching department and no uncertainty over the future of Liverpool’s most senior players.“They are going to present their stadium plans which are backed by a major brand. As a result of such an agreement going through, £100million would be injected into the squad for team strengthening.
“[names removed for privacy but one is a senior LFC employee, the other a former LFC player] are working together with the consortium in the hope of applying pressure on the owners before the summer.”Key figures from the consortium are on Merseyside today ahead of tonight’s match.
It’s worth noting that Steve Morgan has been vocal this week with regards his previous attempt to buy into the club. He also has very strong connections with major figures in Ireland. However he seems happy at Wolves but he’s never hidden his love for Liverpool.
It’s also not the first time that Ireland’s horse-racing connection has been linked with Liverpool. Sadly though we’ve heard these things a million times before and while we believe today’s whispers and some of those in the past, unless Hicks and Gillett want to sell nobody can make them – or could the money lenders as they seem to be turning up the heat?
Watch this space.

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YES, HE REALLY DOES CHARGE PEOPLE MONEY TO READ CRAP LIKE THIS:

16/02/10 12:35 PM Re: Moores & Morgan [Re: soni0807]
Dunk
Editor
I would have sold to Morgan. However, L4 were the better option as they had Dalglish, Kraft, the best CEO in the game and other support from a big club in London.
Never mind, all history now.

16/02/10 02:04 PM Re: Moores & Morgan [Re: IrishKopite]
Dunk
Editor
Originally Posted By: IrishKopite: “Out of curiosity Dunk, who was the CEO L4 had lined up, and what sort of support was the big club in London offereing to a rival?”

Real

—

HERE ARE THE LATEST LIES FROM ONE OF OLDHAM’S MOST NOTORIOUS ALIASES, “THE INFORMER”:

26/01/10 11:17 AM Kenwyne Jones
The_Informer
There is a considerable difference in valuations. The player wants to move to Liverpool but has not submitted a transfer request which could help the situation. The wages are not a problem but Sunderland are looking for a premium fee.

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PLEASE NOTE: THERE WOULD NOT, OF COURSE, BE A SECOND SIGNING BY US DURING THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW

25/01/10 07:38 AM Any more transfers?
kiwi
Can any of our insiders tell us if we are going to sign anyone else or is that it for this Jan?

25/01/10 09:38 AM Re: Any more transfers? [Re: Porch]
Hillingdonred
Either Wallet or Informer (can’t remember which one) stated on their last post (about two weeks ago) that one deal was done and another nearing completion – the first was presumed to be Maxi but no one was sure of the second one.
Its all gone very quiet since though

25/01/10 11:41 AM Re: Any more transfers? [Re: RedTom]
redthatmark
The moving banner on the front page says Liverpool busy negotiating as deadline day approaches. I asked Dunk for more info as it should appear in the members area but he said he is waiting for an update to add further info. Hope that helps.

25/01/10 11:42 AM Re: Any more transfers? [Re: kiwi]
The_Informer
Originally Posted By: kiwi “Can any of our insiders tell us if we are going to sign anyone else or is that it for this Jan?”Yes we will.

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25/01/10 11:43 AM Re: Why the … [Re: Si-man]
The_Informer
Huntelaar and Van Nistelrooy are keen but they have to fall into line with Liverpool’s wage structure.

07/01/10 09:33 AM Maxi Rodriguez medical
The_Informer
Maxi Rodriguez will have his medical either today before 8 p.m. or first thing tomorrow morning.

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16/11/09 12:33 PM Wasserman/SFX meeting
The_Informer
Mr Purslow has a meeting with Simon Bayliff of Wasserman Media Group Management (owners of SFX) later this week to discuss a possible incoming purchase. He’s a very good agent who works with other sports agencies throughout Europe.
I had a look to see what players are on their books and I found this but I don’t know how up to date this is :-
[website]I was told last week that Darius Vassell had been offered to us and that a bid of around £2 million could be enough to rescue him from Turkey so maybe this is related .
Look out for interest in Aaron Hunt.

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16/11/09 12:46 PM Re: Wasserman/SFX meeting [Re: prodigy]
The_Informer
Many players are offered to us so I wouldn’t be too concerned. I think this is because of our injury problems and because Rafael would like to replace Voronin.
Several strikers will be considered in January from what I am hearing but there isn’t a lot of money for long term signings.

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22/10/09 01:29 PM Liverpool owners seek legal advice on Benitez
The_Informer
The owners have been told that if they were to release Rafael as manager that they could pay as little as £5 million in compensation. They have been informed that if Benitez did not accept a compensation package that it could take years to drag through the courts which is a good stalling tactic. Publicly they may be backing him but privately they are covering every angle.

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18/10/09 11:38 AM Benitez and Purslow meeting
The_Informer
Benitez has a meeting with Christian Purslow on Thursday to discuss what funds are available for player purchases in January. This meeting was scheduled for the first week of November but has been brought forward..

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18/10/09 11:43 AM Re: Nightmare scenario [Re: Booga]
The_Informer
The owners will publicly turn on Benitez as the season goes on if we don’t remain in the top four on a regular basis.

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16/07/09 09:44 AM Liverpool F.C. divorce
The_Informer
Gillett and Hicks could be about to negotiate a divorce. Without getting too technical their options are, if they agree to a sale to a consortium that is present:-
– 24.5% estimated stake each with 51% stake to new investor
– one party sells and remaining party has 49% stake with 51% stake to new investor
– 100% sale by both partners to new investor
There is an August 20 cut off period for them to agree a deal under these options but then they would have to negotiate valuations and future rights. Hicks is someone who has always wanted a condition that if he sells he would still get a slice of future gate receipts. If he drops that condition and they both agree one of the options above, a deal could go through before September.

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AND HERE’S WHAT ANOTHER INFAMOUS OLDHAM ALIAS, “WALLET”, HAS HAD TO SAY FOR HIMSELF RECENTLY:

PLEASE NOTE: THERE WOULD BE NO SECOND TRANSFER DEAL IN JANUARY

13/01/10 11:35 AM Re: One deal done; One nearing completion… [Re: wallet]
wallet
Hi
I just got an update on my post of last week. Deal 1 – Maxi to be rubber stamped today. Deal 2 – Won’t name for obvious reasons is all but done (personal terms agreed). I can’t and won’t say more at the minute but both deals are considered real value for money from withing the club.
Wallet

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07/01/10 11:38 AM One deal done; One nearing completion…
wallet
Hi guys
I’ve just been told that one transfer has been completed (terms agreed and pending medical) and another is nearing completion. Both are incoming. It came via text so that’s all I have for now – which I know isn’t very helpful.
I assume the first is Maxi.
I’ll update when I get it.
Wallet

—————————————————————————–

THIS IS A CRACKER, EVEN BY HIS STANDARDS:

29/12/09 10:24 AM Liverpool agents hold talks with Guus Hiddink
KopTalk Team Administrator
Agents representing Liverpool Football Club have allegedly held informal talks with Cees van Nieuwenhuizen, the agent who represents Guus Hiddink.
Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho is another who is seen as a potential target by Liverpool officials.A close friend of Mourinho and the KOPTALK editor, who is also a member of KOPTALK, informs us that while he would love to manage Liverpool, he is very concerned about his reputation becoming tarnished and that with the club financially broken and in ownership limbo, the opportunity may have come at the wrong time for him.
Liverpool officials believe that Hiddink is a more realistic target than Mourinho but the ‘Special One’ would be preferred over him.

—

27/12/09 12:15 PM Liverpool target Goran Pandev
KopTalk Team Administrator
Although today’s reports are speculative, it would make sense if we were interested in the player so make a note of his name.

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IF HE DOESN’T NEED TO WORK FOR A LIVING, THEN WHY IS HE CHARGING PEOPLE £30+ TO BE ON KOPTALK?:

Dunk Dec 2008
Why can’t someone spent thousands of dollars on something that they enjoy? Instead of wasting such money on dining out, take-aways, weekends and nights out, electronic gadgets and Xbox 360 games, I instead opted to channel my money into something that I class as a hobby.
Liverp00l FC and making videos are hobbies to me.
Because I like talking and reading about Liverpool FC I set up a Liverpool FC website. It was a hobby and it took off but today it still operates with the only aim of paying for itself.
I don’t need KopTalk or MoarVideo to make money.I don’t need to work for a living and won’t have to again.
I do have genuine business interests but they’re just to keep me busy. People online only know about the ones I want to make them aware of. Work out for yourself why.
If I made $40,000 today on a website, I would invest the $40,000 back into the same website to make it better for the people who support you.
There are people out there who will say I’m this and that. Former (banned) members from our soccer website but you don’t see the thousands of (paying) members that K)pT)lk for example has

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THIS HAS TO RANK AS A KOPTALK CLASSIC:

20/12/09 02:26 PM Liverpool players turn on Benitez

KopTalk Team Administrator

KOPTALK sources are reporting that Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have become disillusioned with Rafa Benitez and are in favour of a change of manager.

It is alleged that the Liverpool skipper has told close friends that it’s time for a change not only because of recent results but because of having to play alongside mediocre players such as Lucas and because of a frosty atmosphere in the dressing room.

Our source told us last night: “Stevie’s sick of it. He’s not going to walk but it’s brewing. Something will have to give.

“Everyone knows that Lucas is not good enough and if you play alongside him, you have to work harder and the balance is wrong.”

Sources close to Jamie Carragher claim that the Liverpool defender feels that there are now more passengers in the side than ever before.

That source told us: “Last year we managed to carry 2 or 3 passengers. This season it feels like there’s 5 or 6.

“They’re stretched and unhappy. It’s not working.”

While fingers have been pointed at George Gillett and Tom Hicks for a lack of financial backing, it is claimed that senior players are holding the manager responsible for the lack of quality in the squad because of the players he has moved on, simply because of his no-nosense approach. That may have worked for Bill Shankly but the modern day footballer won’t take any ****. Rafa refuses to get close to anyone.

The treatment and subsequent sale of Xabi Alonso was the last straw – as we have debated many times on here – with morale ripped out of the squad. The biggest complaints are that Benitez is too strict and stubborn, refusing to accept that at times he can be wrong.

One source told us: “Supporters must be blind if they cannot see the lack of interest on the pitch.

“Players who you can usually rely on are not fighting for the cause because he’s lost them.

“Any observer at a team-talk out on the green at Melwood will see there are more unhappy players than happy ones and this is the problem.”

It is claimed that Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres are two players who have become concerned with some decisions that Benitez has been making.

Neither player has stuck the knife in but Mascherano’s situation is started to echo the one that built up over time with Alonso.

Thankfully nothing has got back to us to suggest that Torres is looking at moving on but he is said to be baffled by a very defensive style of management this season with Rafa taking no gambles.

Our Carragher source added: “Jamie’s not got a bad bone in him. He won’t say anything privately that he wouldn’t say to Benitez or anyone else on the record.

“But some players are selfish and are only thinking about next season and what they could achieve elsewhere.

“Steven and Jamie won’t leave. Pepe is happy enough. The ones Benitez is going to have to be careful with is Mascherano and Torres. If they leave, the team will be in a critical state.”

In fairness to Benitez though Mascherano has been itching to leave. However, KOPTALK knows for a fact that Alonso would have stayed at Anfield had Benitez genuinely offered him a pat on the back and an admission that he also makes mistakes.

Whether we like it or not, some players do need an arm around them at times, especially when things aren’t going as well as they should be and this is where the problem currently lies.

Benitez is currently unable to motivate key players and won’t take any responsibility for the bad run. Admittedly he isn’t totally to blame and we’re not hearing that suggestion from within the squad.

The owners have played a massive part in all of this but they have also enabled players to be signed that wouldn’t have been signed under the previous owner David Moores.

KOPTALK strong links with sources at Real Madrid and they insist that Benitez was offered numerous players in the summer at reasonable valuations but he declined to take any of them on and that left people at the Bernabeu and Anfield confused. Here was a man who was always complaining about a lack of backing but he was told he could spend money from the Alonso sale and didn’t.

The owners are unhappy. Obviously worried about the valuation and attraction of the club, both are desperate to see the Reds finish in the top 4. As posted here several weeks/months ago, talks have already been discussed at a high level as to how a contract pay-off could be negotiated to release Benitez.

Guus Hiddink and Jose Mourinho have been discussed. One of our sources is close to Jose though and he insists Jose is more bothered about protecting his reputation and that Liverpool could be too much of a gamble. Never say never though because we know that Jose has a soft spot for us.

Next month the Russian FA will elect a new president and there’s speculation that Hiddink is wanted by Chelsea as a new technical director. He could be the priority target if Benitez gets the bullet.

Anfield insiders insist it is nonsense that the club cannot afford to pay off Benitez if fired. A package would have to be agreed and if Real Madrid came in for him, his future earnings there would be taken into consideration.

With Liverpool dangerously falling down the league, if Liverpool failed to finish in the top 4, Hicks and Gillett would lose far more money than they would if they had to pay Rafa off. If results continue as they are, firing Benitez could turn out to be the cheaper option.

Torres and Mascherano could also leave. Don’t pay attention to players like Torres who says he loves Liverpool. He loved Atletico also and that was his club. He’s certainly not motivated by money and he doesn’t want out as yet but if things don’t pick up then the alarm bells will start ringing.

It’s taken some time to compile this update. A lot of words like “claim”, “alleged” and so on are used. That’s not because we don’t see strength in the claims. Even if we know something to be 100% true, the legal implications if you cannot prove it (which would be hard unless a source went on the record and that’s never going to happen) are obviously a concern so as we always say, read, digest and make your own mind up but if you refuse to accept what we are reporting, please don’t be disrespectful when commenting.

We can assure you that in our opinion, everything claimed in this article is true. We could actually post more stronger opinions from within the squad but that’s not a good idea.

What we want to do is try and give you and update of what is happening behind the scenes using a combination of trusted sources that if named, wouldn’t be dismissed. Enough hints are dropped here on the forums if you monitor things but we can’t go on record as to saying who the sources actually are.

For the record, we are still backing Benitez and not calling for him to be replaced at this time. Just because the manager has lost the dressing room – as we stated back on October 6th – doesn’t mean he can’t win it back. However things tend to take a familiar pattern and what we’re seeing is now is almost exactly what we saw with Houllier. Fans loved Houllier, he then started to lose respect from the players, then the fans and started turning roundabouts before losing it at press conferences.

We want Rafa to succeed but if he doesn’t get in that top 4 soon, we believe he will be sacked.

(Other players have had a moan and groan but we have chosen to concentrate on the senior players for obvious reasons).

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MORE INVESTMENT BULLSHIT – HE’LL BE CRAPPING OUT A LOT OF THIS OVER THE SUMMER:

Trio of serious potential investors talking to Purslow
Dunk
Editor
08/11/09 07:54 PM
WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD3 “serious” parties are said to be in talks with Christian Purslow regarding investment and “significant cash injection”.
I’m not sure if this is purchasing shares or sponsorship deals (or a combination of both) but Purslow has said they want to conclude before March/April.WHAT I THINK
I don’t know anything else about it but I’d say these parties are non-US and non-European.
Sorry that I can’t shed any more light on this.

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We can afford to sack Rafa
Dunk
Editor
Registered: 31/07/98
I don’t want him sacking.However, I am informed that the owners aren’t afraid to sack him and that it won’t cost as much as what has been quoted. Could even be less than £5million.They would have to negotiate a settlement and if Rafa opted for the courts it could take years. By then he’d have a new job and his new earnings are taken into conseration.

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THIS ONE IS A BREATHTAKING PIECE OF BULLSHIT, EVEN FOR OLDHAM:

Dunk Oct 2009

EDITOR: No Anfield mutiny but time could be running out for Rafa

“Rafa Benitez has lost the dressing room,” – that’s a statement that was spoken to me earlier today and it came via a senior first team Liverpool player.

Before I get stuck in I should say that I am not going to justify myself or the credibility of the source. I’m also not going to try and sell the source to you. You read, you digest, you debate. That’s what I always tell you.

It is not up to me to force any view upon you. You either place your faith in me or you don’t. If you don’t trust me or if you believe I would knowingly mislead you, then you shouldn’t be a member. You should also consider leaving the site if you can’t handle the odd negative news item or article. KopTalk is never going to dilute news items or articles just because they may be a bit depressing. It is not up to me to decide what you should or shouldn’t hear.

“Maybe”, “if”, “possibly”, “claimed”, “suggested”, “alleged”. If an article is full of such words is it weak or is just a case of me protecting my arse? I’ll let you decide. The critics will put their spin on it as they choose but those of you who have followed KopTalk for a long time will know the drill.

So has Benitez lost the support of his players? That’s the question that everyone has been asking me today and the answer is yes and no. To suggest the manager has lost full support would be wrong but several senior first team players have started to question his decisions and I’m going to talk about what is claimed.

First of all, which players are concerned? Well I’m informed that at least Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are two of the senior players that are allegedly unhappy with the recent direction of the club under Rafa Benitez. There are suggestions that Jamie Carragher could be a third but the two names supplied were Gerrard and Torres.

Gerrard is allegedly unhappy with the lack of quality in midfield while Torres is said to be more concerned that Alonso was allowed to be sold. They’re both professional players and I doubt either would suggest such publicly but when the manager starts to be questioned, this to me suggests the beginning of the end unless there’s a dramatic turn around this season.

Several reasons have been given as to why a few questions have started to be asked. If you believe internet rumours one reason is that the boss snubbed suggestions by Gerrard and Carragher to re-sign Michael Owen, as if to prove some kind of point that he is the manager and not them. Now I agree with that sentiment, Rafa’s the boss, whether you support him or not. But nobody knows for sure if either player stepped forward with that suggestion and if they did, an innocent comment could be all that was passed. I say that before people imagine the duo kicking in Rafa’s office door and putting a gun to his sead saying “Re-sign him or else!”. This rumour isn’t one that has sparked this editorial so we can dismiss it. I for one don’t believe it.

I’m led to believe that the major concern that has been expressed outside the dressing room relates to the sale of Xabi Alonso. I’m told that the first cracks started to appear when the midfielder was initially put up for sale in 2008 although they were papered over once it became clear that he wouldn’t be leaving just then.

But leave a year later he did and word is that Alonso would have stayed had Benitez offered a handshake over a meal and a bottle of red. “Stubborn” is the word that continues to be repeated from those within.

“I am the manager and I will make the decisions as I choose fit” – is it unfair to a manager to enforce that stance? Should players dictate what happens and when? I don’t think so but some of you may think that the ‘arm around a shoulder’ technique has to be used at times.

Even the sales of Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane are said to have knocked morale in the dressing room. Maybe not today of course but at the time. Things have gradually built up and when senior players see Voronin running around, they’re left feeling a little puzzled as to how serious the club can challenge for major honours.

The lack of quality currently in the middle i.e. Lucas, is another reason of concern if you believe my source. The last thing I want to do is take shots at Lucas as I feel for the lad, I really do. You’ve seen me try defend the lad. He’s singled out for abuse even when others around him, so called ‘bigger’ names, fail. If someone’s to blame, then it’s Lucas – that’s what we’re told after every game. However, we cannot hide the fact that he will never fill the void left by Xabi Alonso and that’s what makes it even harder for him.

But it’s not just Lucas. Numerous players in the squad are said to be simply not good enough despite the manager having spent well on some of them. Fact or fiction? You decide.

There are also questions as to why Benitez didn’t recruit more players in the summer with suggestions that he could have pushed through several deals for Real Madrid midfielders if he’d wanted to.

“Rafa could have had Wesley Sneijder during the negotiations for Xabi Alonso, that’s a fact,” insists the source. And without giving too much away, he would know if this was a real possibility or not.

The owners continue to be blamed for everything at the moment – which you can understand – but it’s suggested from within that this has helped cover up some murmuring in the dressing room. If we don’t sign someone, then it’s the owner’s fault. If we sign someone who doesn’t deliver, then it’s the owner’s fault. While that probably is the actual case, some members of the squad are said to believe it’s an excuse that has been dragged out.

Now the timing of my editorial comes on the day that quotes from George Gillett were made public where he says ‘Blame Rafa, not me and Tom!’. I can assure you that this is just a coincidence. Not only that but I wouldn’t trust either of them as far as I could throw them so there’s no favours for pies here. I know that Gillett (or Tom for that matter) is not behind my source because my source plans to speak to at least one of them (to protect the source I can’t say which one) over the coming weeks regarding the second part of my editorial that I’m now going to touch on.

Earlier in the season I told you that Rafa was considering leaving. I stand by that editorial at the time.

It was well documented in the local press afterwards that emergency talks took place shortly afterwards and betting on the possibility of Rafa leaving was suspended. I know I was right. I didn’t know if he would leave, only he could answer that. As things currently stand, I can’t see him still been at Anfield next season, however I will add very important disclaimers that you should note.

Success in the Champions League or reaching the final at least, would make things difficult for the owners to sack him, plus it would cost too much anyway and would he walk having achieved that? I doubt it.

A lot rests on the shoulders of Alberto Aquilani. If he starts performing and proves to be a great acquisition, that could be the lift the dressing room needs. Aquilani is a key, key player for Benitez. All eyes are on this signing, especially those in the board room.

We all know that things can change quickly in football and if we secure a victory over the Mancs later this month and Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres celebrate in front of the bench, we’ll all dismiss this editorial, me included. That’s football.

Trust me, I will be deemed anti-Benitez by this editorial, but I can assure you I’m not. I’d be happy to see the boss working under a new ownership and backed properly once and for all but should he go, either by walking or taking the bullet, who would come in to replace him? That of course is a question that I cannot answer but I do know that Kenny Dalglish would definitely take the job with Sammy Lee as his assistant. I’m not going to speculate more about that or try to back that statement up, you’ll have to take it or leave it.

The King may have been out of the game for some time but he’s what, about 10 years younger than Sir Alex and he’s stil got the desire in him. Would the pressure be too much? Would it be going backwards? I don’t know, I don’t have an opinion about it yet as I haven’t had time to think, I’m just planting the seed because if Rafa does go, Kenny will want the job. I’m not speculating here, I know.

The first thing I asked my source was “Would Gillett and Hicks consider that option?”. The source couldn’t answer me that but assured me that the question will be asked ‘off the record’ over the coming weeks. Nothing official, just a sounding out. It would be a massive PR boost for them but it’s one for the future, not just now because the season is still far too young.

Before signing off I would ask you just to read the editorial a couple of times. Take it in and just digest it. Don’t take everything you hear or read as fact. There is definitely a morale issue in the team but with the international break now upon us, maybe that will help.

What I will say is that had this come from a weaker source then I wouldn’t have run it. But because the source in relation to this cannot be questioned – because he’s extremely close to 3 people named in it – I had to get it out to you.

I’m not the best writer out there so I apologise for any language errors or spelling mistakes. It’s from the heart which is all that should matter.

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PLEASE NOTE: OLDHAM QUICKLY DELETED THIS POISONOUS LOAD OF OLD BOLLOCKS, BUT WE’VE MANAGED TO PRESERVE IT FOR YOU

August 18, 2009 16:00 Benitez eyes resignation date
KopTalk Team

KOPTALK sources are speculating that Rafa Benitez could quit the club before the end of the month as a result of more broken promises by the club’s American owners.

Tired of taking on the club’s owners over previous broken promises, it has been suggested to us that the manager could quit on or around August 26th which would mean his last game could be the televised clash against Aston Villa at Anfield on Monday 24th.

A resignation on the 26th would mean the news would be on the back pages of every newspaper in Europe on the morning of 27th and read by hundreds of journalists, football managers and executives who will be on flights to Monaco for the Champions League draw.

Benitez finds himself in an untenable position having allegedly been prevented from pushing through a deal for David Silva and other major European targets as a result of the club’s owners not handing over promised funds. Even a deal for Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta is said to have been blocked by the owners.

It has been suggested that Benitez would prefer to walk now – opposed to later in the season – to give someone else a chance to do as much as they can, out of respect for the club and fans and also to preserve his reputation. Journalists are already circling above him predicting a finish outside the top four and he’s fully aware of this.

Numerous reports across Europe today state that Benitez is unhappy with the figures told he has left to spend this summer.

Dave Maddock (The Mirror) says Benitez has been left “devastated” by the owners stance on funds with the highly regarded Tony Barrett (The Times) stating that the boss “will have to trim his squad to bring in the funds he needs or sign a cheaper centre back, even if he does not meet the Spaniard’s standards.”

It’s clear that those two journalists – and others including those at The Telegraph and Express – were fed details from the Benitez camp about how this matter is brewing internally. And that’s just the UK.

In Spain they’re reporting that Silva wanted the move to Liverpool but the money Benitez was going to use to fund the deal has not been given to him. The player’s agent says differently – preferring instead to say his client is happy at Valencia – but we don’t believe him.

Later in the day the Liverpool Echo confirmed that Benitez has held urgent talks with the club’s managing director Christian Purslow about the situation.

In the latest edition, The Echo states: “…it is Benitez’s transfer budget, or the lack of it, that is causing serious problems at the club.”

The Echo also quotes a source as saying: “The figures have changed since Rafa signed his contract. He has sold several players and raised a lot of money, but is not being allowed to spend it.”

At today’s pre-match press conference the boss was repeatedly asked about his transfer kitty but would only say: “I do not want to discuss money.”

Benitez has been told if he wants to buy anyone else of significant value that he must sell but nobody is attracting any firm interest other than Albert Riera.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are trying to lure the winger away from Anfield but according to information supplied to KOPTALK, the player doesn’t want to leave and Benitez has made it clear he’s not available. Whether or not those above him feel the same way, we don’t know. Nothing would surprise us now with Gillett and Hicks trying to raise funds to clear the debts they have piled onto the club.

We’re not for one minute suggesting that Benitez will leave but we are very, very worried. It’s certainly more likely now than ever before.

We’ve been in talks for hours with KOPTALK sources today and they’re of the opinion that unless Gillett & Hicks take immediate action, then Benitez will walk with his head held high before enduring a season of negativity and frustration.

There is still time for the owners to show their support to the manager before the window closes. He doesn’t want to leave the club but once again he’s found his hands tied.

Sadly the majority of Liverpool fans continue to watch developments rather than getting involved. We would urge all supporters to take part in an collective effort to put pressure on the owners to leave the club.

Your location or financial status is no excuse. There are ways that you can help. Your opinions about what good would it do should be put to one side.

We would ask you to visit http://www.spiritofshankly.com/ and see how you can help. If you’re unsure, email them and ask. Sit and do nothing, and Liverpool could become the next Leeds United or Newcastle.

Spirit Of Shankly have not asked for any kind of promotion. We purely refer to them as we believe they are our only hope at the moment. Whether you agree with their policies or not, they deserve a pat on the back for trying which is more than what most are doing.

All eyes on Rafa Benitez’s post-match interview when Liverpool entertain Villa in front of the cameras. If we see some proper activity before then, maybe we can relax a little. But even if he doesn’t walk this month, we can’t see this relationship holding out for much longer, we really can’t.

Rafa’s no fool, that’s evident by the dates that have been mooted. Hopefully it won’t come to that